Core i7-940 vs Xeon W3530

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 i7-940 vs Xeon W3530 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 i7-940 vs Xeon W3530: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-940

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 130W, a 129W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,029 vs 3,059).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.4 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($562 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Xeon W3530

2010

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $268 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $562 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.4 vs 5.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $562 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌12900% higher power demand at 130W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3530 better than Core i7-940?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3530 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-940 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 W3530 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W3530 is the better buy right now. Xeon W3530 comes in $268 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $562 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-940 is still the better pure gaming CPU with 4.6% higher max boost clock. It is also 93.0% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 5.4 PassMark/$), 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 W3530 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-940 vs Xeon W3530 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-940

The Core i7-940 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 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 3,029 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon W3530

The Xeon W3530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 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: 3,059 points. Launch price was $999.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-940 and Xeon W3530 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-940 versus 3.06 GHz on the Xeon W3530 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-940 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-940 scores 3,029 against the Xeon W3530's 3,059 — a 1% lead for the Xeon W3530. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon W3530
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+5%	3.06 GHz
Base Clock	2.93 GHz+5%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,029	3,059

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon W3530
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	—
RAM Channels	3	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	36	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-940) / not specified (Xeon W3530). Primary use case: Core i7-940 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon W3530
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-940 was priced at $562, while the Xeon W3530 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($562 vs $294), Xeon W3530 was $268 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-940 delivers 5.4 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3530 — making the Xeon W3530 the 63.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon W3530
MSRP	$562	$294-48%
Performance per Dollar	5.4	10.4+93%
Release Date	2008	2010

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