Core i7-3520M vs Xeon X5470

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 i7-3520M vs Xeon X5470 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 i7-3520M vs Xeon X5470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3520M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon X5470 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5470 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,842 vs 2,869).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5470, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Xeon X5470 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5470

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 512W, a 392W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3520M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5470 better than Core i7-3520M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5470 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3520M 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 X5470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 X5470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon X5470 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5470 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3520M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

Core i7-3520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3520M vs Xeon X5470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3520M

The Core i7-3520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,842 points. Launch price was $346.

Xeon X5470

The Xeon X5470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,869 points. Launch price was $1,386.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3520M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5470 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5470 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-3520M versus 0.33 GHz on the Xeon X5470 — a 166.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3520M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-3520M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5470 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3520M scores 2,842 against the Xeon X5470's 2,869 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon X5470. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3520M vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5470.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Xeon X5470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+991%	0.33 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.33 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB (total)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,842	2,869

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3520M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5470 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3520M	Xeon X5470
Socket	PGA988	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 i7-3520M) / not specified (Xeon X5470). The Core i7-3520M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon X5470 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3520M rivals AMD A10-5750M.