Core i7-820QM vs Xeon E5503

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 i7-820QM vs Xeon E5503 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 i7-820QM vs Xeon E5503: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 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 $546 MSRP, while Xeon E5503 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5503

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-820QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,815 vs 1,819).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-820QM better than Xeon E5503?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5503 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-820QM 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 i7-820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.6% 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 i7-820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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?

Core i7-820QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $546 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (3.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5503 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-820QM vs Xeon E5503 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-820QM

The Core i7-820QM 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 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.

Xeon E5503

The Xeon E5503 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 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: 1,815 points. Launch price was $287.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-820QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5503 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5503 — a 41.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 1.73 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-820QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5503 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-820QM scores 1,819 against the Xeon E5503's 1,815 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-820QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5503.

Feature	Core i7-820QM	Xeon E5503
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz+53%	2 GHz
Base Clock	1.73 GHz	2 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	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	1,819	1,815

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-820QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5503 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.