Core i7-3940XM vs Xeon X5660

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 i7-3940XM vs Xeon X5660 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 i7-3940XM vs Xeon X5660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3940XM

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 95W, a 40W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon X5660 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,957 vs 5,979).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5660, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5660

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,219 MSRP, while Core i7-3940XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌72.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3940XM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3940XM better than Xeon X5660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3940XM 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 X5660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 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?

Core i7-3940XM is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5660 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,219 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5660 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. Xeon X5660 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3940XM 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 i7-3940XM vs Xeon X5660 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3940XM

The Core i7-3940XM 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,957 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Xeon X5660

The Xeon X5660 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 2.8 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,979 points. Launch price was $33.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3940XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5660 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5660 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3940XM versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5660 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3940XM (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-3940XM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5660 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3940XM scores 5,957 against the Xeon X5660's 5,979 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X5660. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3940XM vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5660.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon X5660
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
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	5,957	5,979
Geekbench 6 Single	720	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5660 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3940XM versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5660 — the Core i7-3940XM supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-3940XM) vs 3 (Xeon X5660). Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3940XM) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5660).

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon X5660
Socket	PGA988	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

Only the Core i7-3940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i7-3940XM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon X5660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3940XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop, Xeon X5660 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3940XM rivals A10-5750M; Xeon X5660 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon X5660
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Extreme Performance Laptop	Workstation