Core i7-3687U vs Xeon E5-2407

Intel

Core i7-3687U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2407

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2012

Core i7-3687U vs Xeon E5-2407 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-3687U vs Xeon E5-2407 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 i7-3687U vs Xeon E5-2407: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E5-2407 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,621 vs 2,659).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 10 MB).
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2407, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • ❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5-2407

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1.4% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…+150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • βœ…Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i7-3687U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3687U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2407 better than Core i7-3687U?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2407 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3687U 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 E5-2407 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2407 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2407 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3687U is still the better pure gaming CPU with 50% higher max boost clock. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3687U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3687U vs Xeon E5-2407 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5-2407

The Xeon E5-2407 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $335.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-3687U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2407 offers 4 cores / 4 threads β€” the Xeon E5-2407 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2407 β€” a 40% clock advantage for the Core i7-3687U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-3687U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3687U scores 2,621 against the Xeon E5-2407's 2,659 β€” a 1.4% lead for the Xeon E5-2407. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2407.

FeatureCore i7-3687UXeon E5-2407
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz+50%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
2.2 GHz+5%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
10240 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013)
Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark
2,621
2,659+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
640
β€”
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,240
β€”
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3687U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3687UXeon E5-2407
Socket
BGA1023
LGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
β€”
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
β€”
RAM Channels
2
β€”
ECC Support
No
β€”
PCIe Lanes
16
β€”
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U) / not specified (Xeon E5-2407). The Core i7-3687U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5-2407 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.

FeatureCore i7-3687UXeon E5-2407
Integrated GPU
Yes
β€”
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
β€”
Unlocked
No
β€”
AVX-512
No
β€”
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
β€”
Target Use
Enthusiast
β€”