Core i7-860S vs Xeon E5472

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 i7-860S vs Xeon E5472 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 i7-860S vs Xeon E5472: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-860S

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.7% higher average FPS across 19 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5472.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,324 vs 2,333).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $299 MSRP, while Xeon E5472 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5472

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 80W instead of 82W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860S across 19 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-860S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860S better than Xeon E5472?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5472 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-860S 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 E5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 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 i7-860S is the better buy right now. Core i7-860S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $299 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.7% average FPS lead across 19 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5472 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-860S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-860S vs Xeon E5472 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-860S

The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.

Xeon E5472

The Xeon E5472 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $1,022.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-860S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5472's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5472 — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 2.53 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-860S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860S scores 2,324 against the Xeon E5472's 2,333 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5472. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5472.

Feature	Core i7-860S	Xeon E5472
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+15%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	3 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB (total)+2300%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,324	2,333
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,332	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860S uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.