Core i5-5287U vs Xeon L5630

Intel

Core i5-5287U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2015
VS
Intel

Xeon L5630

4 Cores8 Thrd40 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2010

Core i5-5287U vs Xeon L5630 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-5287U vs Xeon L5630 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-5287U vs Xeon L5630: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-5287U

2015

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5630 across 15 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5630, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • ❌1180% higher power demand at 512W vs 40W.

Xeon L5630

2010

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 15 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • βœ…Draws 40W instead of 512W, a 472W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (3,048 vs 3,084).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5287U better than Xeon L5630?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5630 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-5287U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5287U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-5287U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-5287U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-5287U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-5287U vs Xeon L5630 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-5287U

The Core i5-5287U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,084 points. Launch price was $315.

Intel

Xeon L5630

The Xeon L5630 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 40 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,048 points. Launch price was $1,100.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-5287U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5630 offers 4 cores / 8 threads β€” the Xeon L5630 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-5287U versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon L5630 β€” a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-5287U (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-5287U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon L5630 uses Westmere-EP (2010βˆ’2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5287U scores 3,084 against the Xeon L5630's 3,048 β€” a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-5287U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5287U vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5630.

FeatureCore i5-5287UXeon L5630
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz+38%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+36%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
12 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Broadwell-U (2015)
Westmere-EP (2010βˆ’2011)
PassMark
3,084+1%
3,048
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5287U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5630 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-5287UXeon L5630
Socket
FCBGA1168
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%