Core i7-720QM vs Xeon E5504

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 i7-720QM vs Xeon E5504 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 i7-720QM vs Xeon E5504: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $364 MSRP, while Xeon E5504 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5504

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,652 vs 1,658).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-720QM better than Xeon E5504?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5504 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-720QM 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 i7-720QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 29 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-720QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. 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?

Core i7-720QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-720QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $364 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-720QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-720QM vs Xeon E5504 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-720QM

The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.

Xeon E5504

The Xeon E5504 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 GHz, with boost up to 2 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: 1,652 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-720QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5504's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5504 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-720QM (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-720QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5504 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-720QM scores 1,658 against the Xeon E5504's 1,652 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-720QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5504.

Feature	Core i7-720QM	Xeon E5504
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+40%	2 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,658	1,652

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-720QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5504 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.