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 i5-7500 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2 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 i5-7500 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7500

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $74 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Delivers 37.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.0 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1245 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1245 v2, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1245 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,357 vs 6,362).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.3 vs 32.0 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7500 better than Xeon E3-1245 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-7500 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 i5-7500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7500 is the better buy right now. Core i5-7500 comes in $74 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $273 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1245 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 37.3% better value on MSRP (32.0 vs 23.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i5-7500 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7500

The Core i5-7500 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,362 points. Launch price was $202.

Xeon E3-1245 v2

The Xeon E3-1245 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,357 points. Launch price was $462.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-7500 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7500 scores 6,362 against the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 6,357 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-7500. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7500 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1245 v2.

Feature	Core i5-7500	Xeon E3-1245 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,362	6,357
Geekbench 6 Single	—	659
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,273

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7500 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — the Core i5-7500 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 200 series,Intel 100 series (Core i5-7500) and Intel C202,Intel C204,Intel C206,Intel C216 (Xeon E3-1245 v2).

Feature	Core i5-7500	Xeon E3-1245 v2
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7500) vs Yes (Xeon E3-1245 v2). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7500) and HD Graphics P4000 (Xeon E3-1245 v2) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7500 targets Desktop, Xeon E3-1245 v2 targets Server.

Feature	Core i5-7500	Xeon E3-1245 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics P4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7500 was priced at $199, while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($199 vs $273), Core i5-7500 was $74 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7500 delivers 32.0 pts/$ vs 23.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — making the Core i5-7500 the 31.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7500	Xeon E3-1245 v2
MSRP	$199-27%	$273
Performance per Dollar	32.0+37%	23.3
Release Date	2017	2012

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