Core i7-3740QM vs Xeon X5650

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 i7-3740QM vs Xeon X5650 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 i7-3740QM vs Xeon X5650: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3740QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,710 vs 5,742).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5650, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5650

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3740QM better than Xeon X5650?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5650 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3740QM 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 X5650 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3740QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-3740QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3740QM vs Xeon X5650 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3740QM

The Core i7-3740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,710 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon X5650

The Xeon X5650 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,742 points. Launch price was $53.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5650 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3740QM versus 3.06 GHz on the Xeon X5650 — a 18.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3740QM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i7-3740QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5650 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3740QM scores 5,710 against the Xeon X5650's 5,742 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon X5650. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3740QM vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5650.

Feature	Core i7-3740QM	Xeon X5650
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+21%	3.06 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+2%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	5,710	5,742

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3740QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5650 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3740QM	Xeon X5650
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-3740QM) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5650). Primary use case: Xeon X5650 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5650 rivals Core i7-980X.