Core i5-7287U vs Xeon L5506

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 i5-7287U vs Xeon L5506 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 i5-7287U vs Xeon L5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7287U

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 28W instead of 60W, a 32W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650, while Xeon L5506 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5506, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon L5506

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-7287U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,706 vs 3,743).
❌114.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7287U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7287U better than Xeon L5506?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-7287U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7287U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7287U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7287U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-7287U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-7287U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-7287U vs Xeon L5506 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7287U

The Core i5-7287U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,743 points. Launch price was $304.

Xeon L5506

The Xeon L5506 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,706 points. Launch price was $125.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7287U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5506 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon L5506 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-7287U versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon L5506 — a 186.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-7287U (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-7287U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon L5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7287U scores 3,743 against the Xeon L5506's 3,706 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-7287U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7287U vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon L5506.

Feature	Core i5-7287U	Xeon L5506
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+2746%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+55%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,743	3,706

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7287U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7287U	Xeon L5506
Socket	BGA1356	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-7287U) / not specified (Xeon L5506). The Core i5-7287U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650), while the Xeon L5506 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7287U targets Mobile.