Core i7-920 vs Xeon X5470

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 i7-920 vs Xeon X5470 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 i7-920 vs Xeon X5470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 120W, a 119W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,866 vs 2,869).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Xeon X5470 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5470

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌11900% higher power demand at 120W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-920 better than Xeon X5470?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5470 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-920 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 X5470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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 i7-920 is the better buy right now. Core i7-920 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5470 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 X5470 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-920 vs Xeon X5470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

Xeon X5470

The Xeon X5470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,869 points. Launch price was $1,386.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-920 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon X5470's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 versus 0.33 GHz on the Xeon X5470 — a 159.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-920 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-920 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5470 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-920 scores 2,866 against the Xeon X5470's 2,869 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X5470. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5470.

Feature	Core i7-920	Xeon X5470
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+788%	0.33 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3.33 GHz+25%
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	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,866	2,869

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-920 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5470 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.