Core i5-670 vs Xeon E5520

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 i5-670 vs Xeon E5520 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 i5-670 vs Xeon E5520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-670

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 73W instead of 80W, a 7W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Xeon E5520 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5520.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Xeon E5520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,541 vs 2,553).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-670 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-670.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-670 better than Xeon E5520?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-670 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 i5-670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-670 is the better buy right now. Core i5-670 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5520 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-670 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) 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 i5-670 vs Xeon E5520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-670

The Core i5-670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,553 points. Launch price was $252.

Xeon E5520

The Xeon E5520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,541 points. Launch price was $19.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-670 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E5520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon E5520 — a 38.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-670 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i5-670 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-670 scores 2,553 against the Xeon E5520's 2,541 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-670. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5520.

Feature	Core i5-670	Xeon E5520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+47%	2.53 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+53%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,553	2,541
Geekbench 6 Single	638	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-670 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-670	Xeon E5520
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-670) / not specified (Xeon E5520). The Core i5-670 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Xeon E5520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955.