Core i7-4600M vs Xeon X5560

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 i7-4600M vs Xeon X5560 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 i7-4600M vs Xeon X5560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4600M

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon X5560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,204 vs 3,231).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5560, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4600M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5560 better than Core i7-4600M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4600M 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 X5560 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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 X5560 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon X5560 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5560 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4600M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4600M vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4600M

The Core i7-4600M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,204 points. Launch price was $346.

Xeon X5560

The Xeon X5560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4600M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5560 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X5560 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4600M versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4600M (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-4600M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4600M scores 3,204 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon X5560. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4600M vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.

Feature	Core i7-4600M	Xeon X5560
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+4%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,204	3,231
Cinebench R23 Multi	656	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,025	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,132	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4600M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5560 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i7-4600M versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5560 — the Core i7-4600M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-4600M) vs 3 (Xeon X5560). Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i7-4600M) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5560).

Feature	Core i7-4600M	Xeon X5560
Socket	PGA946	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L 1600 MHz+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: true (Core i7-4600M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). The Core i7-4600M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon X5560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4600M targets Mobile, Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.