Core i7-2677M vs Xeon E5345

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 i7-2677M vs Xeon E5345 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 i7-2677M vs Xeon E5345: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2677M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 80W, a 63W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Xeon E5345 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5345, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5345

2006

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,868 vs 1,875).
❌370.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2677M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2677M better than Xeon E5345?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5345 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-2677M 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 i7-2677M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i7-2677M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-2677M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-2677M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-2677M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006) 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 i7-2677M vs Xeon E5345 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2677M

The Core i7-2677M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,875 points. Launch price was $317.

Xeon E5345

The Xeon E5345 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,868 points. Launch price was $851.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2677M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5345 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5345 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2677M versus 0.33 GHz on the Xeon E5345 — a 159.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2677M (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The Core i7-2677M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5345 uses Clovertown (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2677M scores 1,875 against the Xeon E5345's 1,868 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2677M. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2677M vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5345.

Feature	Core i7-2677M	Xeon E5345
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+779%	0.33 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.33 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	4 MB	8 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB (total)+700%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,875	1,868
Geekbench 6 Single	562	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2677M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5345 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2677M	Xeon E5345
Socket	BGA1023	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2677M) / not specified (Xeon E5345). The Core i7-2677M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon E5345 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2677M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2677M rivals A6-3420M.