Core i7-620M vs Xeon E5506

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 i7-620M vs Xeon E5506 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 i7-620M vs Xeon E5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Xeon E5506 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5506, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5506

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,961 vs 1,976).
❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620M better than Xeon E5506?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-620M 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 i7-620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i7-620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-620M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-620M vs Xeon E5506 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-620M

The Core i7-620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

Xeon E5506

The Xeon E5506 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,961 points. Launch price was $43.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-620M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5506 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5506 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5506 — a 185% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i7-620M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620M scores 1,976 against the Xeon E5506's 1,961 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-620M. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Xeon E5506
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz+2462%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+25%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,976	1,961
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-620M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Xeon E5506
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620M) / not specified (Xeon E5506). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Xeon E5506 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.