Core i7-870S vs Xeon X5482

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 i7-870S vs Xeon X5482 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 i7-870S vs Xeon X5482: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-870S

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 82W instead of 150W, a 68W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon X5482 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5482

2007

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,755 vs 2,765).
❌82.9% higher power demand at 150W vs 82W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870S better than Xeon X5482?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5482 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-870S 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 i7-870S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 i7-870S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-870S is the better buy right now. Core i7-870S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-870S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007) 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 i7-870S vs Xeon X5482 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-870S

The Core i7-870S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 2,765 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon X5482

The Xeon X5482 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,755 points. Launch price was $1,279.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-870S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon X5482's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870S versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5482 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-870S (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-870S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5482 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870S scores 2,765 against the Xeon X5482's 2,755 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-870S. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870S vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5482.

Feature	Core i7-870S	Xeon X5482
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3.2 GHz+20%
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	2,765	2,755

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-870S uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5482 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.