Core i7-3770S vs Xeon X5670

Intel

Core i7-3770S

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5670

6 Cores12 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i7-3770S vs Xeon X5670 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 i7-3770S vs Xeon X5670 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 i7-3770S vs Xeon X5670: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3770S

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon X5670 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Xeon X5670.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5670, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.7 vs 91.9 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $67 MSRP).

Xeon X5670

2010

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Costs $183 less on MSRP ($67 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 272.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.9 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($67 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,160 vs 6,173).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770S better than Xeon X5670?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5670 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770S is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Core i7-3770S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-3770S is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5670 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3770S comes in 273.1% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $67 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon X5670 is also 272.3% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 24.7 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3770S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3770S vs Xeon X5670 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-3770S

The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.

Intel

Xeon X5670

The Xeon X5670 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 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 6,160 points. Launch price was $67.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3770S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5670 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon X5670 — a 15.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i7-3770S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5670 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770S scores 6,173 against the Xeon X5670's 6,160 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3770S. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5670.

FeatureCore i7-3770SXeon X5670
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+17%
3.33 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+6%
2.93 GHz
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
6,173
6,160
Cinebench R23 Multi
4,500
Geekbench 6 Single
694
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,303
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3770S versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5670 — the Core i7-3770S supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-3770S) vs 3 (Xeon X5670). Chipset compatibility: Z77,H77,B75,Z68,P67,H67 (Core i7-3770S) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5670).

FeatureCore i7-3770SXeon X5670
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3770S) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5670). The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon X5670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget, Xeon X5670 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5670 rivals Core i7-980X.

FeatureCore i7-3770SXeon X5670
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770S was priced at $250, while the Xeon X5670 came in at $67. On launch pricing ($250 vs $67), Xeon X5670 was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 91.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X5670 — making the Xeon X5670 the 115.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3770SXeon X5670
MSRP
$250
$67-73%
Performance per Dollar
24.7
91.9+272%
Release Date
2012
2010

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