Core i7-4610M vs Xeon X5560

Intel

Core i7-4610M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon X5560

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Core i7-4610M vs Xeon X5560 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 i7-4610M 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 i7-4610M 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 i7-4610M

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 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: +6.3% 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

  • Lower PassMark (3,231 vs 3,251).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4610M better than Xeon X5560?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4610M 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, Core i7-4610M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4610M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4610M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4610M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4610M vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4610M

The Core i7-4610M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 3,251 points. Launch price was $346.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4610M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5560 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X5560 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-4610M versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4610M (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-4610M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4610M scores 3,251 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4610M. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4610M vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.

FeatureCore i7-4610MXeon X5560
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+16%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+7%
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
3,251
3,231
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4610M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5560 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4610MXeon X5560
Socket
PGA946
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4610M) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). Primary use case: Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.

FeatureCore i7-4610MXeon X5560
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation