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 i7-930 vs Xeon E5-2637 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 i7-930 vs Xeon E5-2637: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-930

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+60% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 5 MB).
✅Costs $591 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 202.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.2 vs 3.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2637, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.
❌62.5% higher power demand at 130W vs 80W.

Xeon E5-2637

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 36.
✅Draws 80W instead of 130W, a 50W reduction.
✅11.1% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 36) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-930 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,978 vs 2,993).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (5 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.4 vs 10.2 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-930 better than Xeon E5-2637?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2637 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-930 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 i7-930 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.0% 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 i7-930 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 60% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 5 MB).

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

Core i7-930 is the better buy right now. Core i7-930 comes in $591 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 202.5% better value on MSRP (10.2 vs 3.4 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2637 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-930 vs Xeon E5-2637 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-930

The Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 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: 2,993 points. Launch price was $80.

Xeon E5-2637

The Xeon E5-2637 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 5120 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,978 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-930 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2637 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-930 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2637 — a 13.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2637 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-930 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5-2637 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-930 scores 2,993 against the Xeon E5-2637's 2,978 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-930. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930 vs 5120 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2637.

Feature	Core i7-930	Xeon E5-2637
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz	3.5 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+60%	5120 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	2,993	2,978
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	2,000
Geekbench 6 Single	—	550
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,500

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-930 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2637 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-930 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2637 — the Xeon E5-2637 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2637 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 24 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Core i7-930) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2637). PCIe lanes: 36 (Core i7-930) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2637) — the Xeon E5-2637 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-930	Xeon E5-2637
Socket	LGA1366	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	384 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	3	4+33%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	36	40+11%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-930 targets Desktop, Xeon E5-2637 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-930	Xeon E5-2637
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-930 was priced at $294, while the Xeon E5-2637 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($294 vs $885), Core i7-930 was $591 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-930 delivers 10.2 pts/$ vs 3.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2637 — making the Core i7-930 the 100.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-930	Xeon E5-2637
MSRP	$294-67%	$885
Performance per Dollar	10.2+200%	3.4
Release Date	2010	2012

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