Core i7-7Y75 vs Xeon E5520

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 i7-7Y75 vs Xeon E5520 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 i7-7Y75 vs Xeon E5520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7Y75

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 5W instead of 80W, a 76W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,534 vs 2,541).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $393 MSRP, while Xeon E5520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% 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.

Trade-offs

❌1677.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 4.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5520 better than Core i7-7Y75?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7Y75 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 E5520 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.5% 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 E5520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% 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 E5520 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E5520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $393 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-7Y75 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 8.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i7-7Y75 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7Y75 vs Xeon E5520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7Y75

The Core i7-7Y75 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,534 points. Launch price was $393.

Xeon E5520

The Xeon E5520 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 2,541 points. Launch price was $19.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7Y75 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E5520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-7Y75 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon E5520 — a 34.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-7Y75 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i7-7Y75 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7Y75 scores 2,534 against the Xeon E5520's 2,541 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5520. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-7Y75 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5520.

Feature	Core i7-7Y75	Xeon E5520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+42%	2.53 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2.26 GHz+74%
L3 Cache	4 MB	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,534	2,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7Y75 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.