
Core i5-8250U vs Xeon X5670

Core i5-8250U

Xeon X5670
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-8250U is positioned at rank 860 and the Xeon X5670 is on rank 469, so the Xeon X5670 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8250U
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5670
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-8250U | Xeon X5670 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-8250U | Xeon X5670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-8250U and Xeon X5670

Core i5-8250U
The Core i5-8250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 6,158 points. Launch price was $297.

Xeon X5670
The Xeon X5670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,160 points. Launch price was $67.
Processing Power
The Core i5-8250U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5670 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-8250U versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon X5670 — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-8250U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-8250U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5670 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8250U scores 6,158 against the Xeon X5670's 6,160 — a 0% lead for the Xeon X5670. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8250U vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5670.
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | Xeon X5670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+2% | 3.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 2.93 GHz+83% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 6,158 | 6,160 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,127 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-8250U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-8250U versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5670 — the Core i5-8250U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-8250U) vs 3 (Xeon X5670). Chipset compatibility: Kaby Lake-R (Core i5-8250U) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5670).
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | Xeon X5670 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-8250U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 620), while the Xeon X5670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8250U targets Mainstream Laptop, Xeon X5670 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-8250U rivals Ryzen 5 2500U; Xeon X5670 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | Xeon X5670 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 620 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Workstation |
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