Core i7-640M vs Xeon X3330

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 i7-640M vs Xeon X3330 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 i7-640M vs Xeon X3330: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-640M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Xeon X3330 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3330 across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,092 vs 2,102).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Xeon X3330

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.7% higher average FPS across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3330 better than Core i7-640M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3330 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-640M 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 X3330 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.7% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3330 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon X3330 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X3330 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.7% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-640M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-640M vs Xeon X3330 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-640M

The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.

Xeon X3330

The Xeon X3330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,102 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-640M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-640M scores 2,092 against the Xeon X3330's 2,102 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X3330. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3330.

Feature	Core i7-640M	Xeon X3330
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+5%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	2,092	2,102

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3330 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-640M	Xeon X3330
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-640M) / not specified (Xeon X3330). The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Xeon X3330 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.