Core i7-2820QM vs Xeon L5639

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 i7-2820QM vs Xeon L5639 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 i7-2820QM vs Xeon L5639: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2820QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 60W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Xeon L5639 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,379 vs 4,419).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5639, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $568 MSRP, while Xeon L5639 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5639

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌33.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2820QM better than Xeon L5639?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5639 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-2820QM 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, Xeon L5639 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-2820QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $568 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon L5639 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon L5639 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2820QM vs Xeon L5639 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2820QM

The Core i7-2820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,379 points. Launch price was $568.

Xeon L5639

The Xeon L5639 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.133 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,419 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon L5639 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5639 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon L5639 — a 24.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2820QM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.133 GHz). The Core i7-2820QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon L5639 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the Xeon L5639's 4,419 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon L5639. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5639.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Xeon L5639
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+27%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+8%	2.133 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,379	4,419
Geekbench 6 Single	554	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,763	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5639 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Xeon L5639
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2820QM) / not specified (Xeon L5639). The Core i7-2820QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon L5639 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.