Core i7-8550U vs Xeon X5670

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 i7-8550U vs Xeon X5670 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 i7-8550U vs Xeon X5670: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8550U

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,118 vs 6,160).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5670, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5670

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $67 MSRP, while Core i7-8550U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8550U better than Xeon X5670?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5670 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8550U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X5670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-8550U is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5670 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-8550U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $67 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5670 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. Xeon X5670 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-8550U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8550U vs Xeon X5670 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8550U

The Core i7-8550U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,118 points. Launch price was $409.

Xeon X5670

The Xeon X5670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,160 points. Launch price was $67.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8550U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5670 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-8550U versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon X5670 — a 18.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-8550U (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i7-8550U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5670 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8550U scores 6,118 against the Xeon X5670's 6,160 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X5670. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8550U vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5670.

Feature	Core i7-8550U	Xeon X5670
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+20%	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.93 GHz+63%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,118	6,160

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8550U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8550U	Xeon X5670
Socket	BGA1356	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-8550U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5670). Primary use case: Xeon X5670 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5670 rivals Core i7-980X.