Core i7-880 vs Xeon W5580

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 i7-880 vs Xeon W5580 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 i7-880 vs Xeon W5580: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-880

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon W5580.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,429 vs 3,459).
❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Xeon W5580 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W5580

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-880.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-880 better than Xeon W5580?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-880 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 W5580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-880 is the better buy right now. Core i7-880 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $583 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W5580 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-880 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 i7-880 vs Xeon W5580 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-880

The Core i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

Xeon W5580

The Xeon W5580 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 3.2 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: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,459 points. Launch price was $102.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-880 and Xeon W5580 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W5580 — a 7.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-880 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-880 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon W5580 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-880 scores 3,429 against the Xeon W5580's 3,459 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon W5580. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-880	Xeon W5580
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+8%	3.46 GHz
Base Clock	3.06 GHz	3.2 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,429	3,459
Geekbench 6 Single	507	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,478	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-880 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W5580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.