Core i7-2820QM vs Xeon X5647

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 X5647 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 X5647: 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 130W, a 85W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Xeon X5647 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5647 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,379 vs 4,441).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $568 MSRP, while Xeon X5647 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5647

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5647 better than Core i7-2820QM?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5647 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5647 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.0% 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, Xeon X5647 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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?

Xeon X5647 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5647 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $568 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-2820QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Xeon X5647 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 4 cores / 8 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 X5647 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 X5647

The Xeon X5647 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,441 points. Launch price was $175.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2820QM and Xeon X5647 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5647 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2820QM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i7-2820QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5647 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2820QM scores 4,379 against the Xeon X5647's 4,441 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon X5647. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5647.

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Xeon X5647
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.93 GHz+27%
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	4,441+1%
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 X5647 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2820QM versus DDR3-1066 on the Xeon X5647 — the Core i7-2820QM supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-2820QM) vs 3 (Xeon X5647). Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2820QM) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5647).

Feature	Core i7-2820QM	Xeon X5647
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed	1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2820QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon X5647). The Core i7-2820QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon X5647 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5647 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX; Xeon X5647 rivals Core i7-980X.