Core i7-940 vs Xeon X5550

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 X5550 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 X5550: 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 95W, a 94W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,029 vs 3,036).
❌Launch MSRP is still $562 MSRP, while Xeon X5550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5550

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940 better than Xeon X5550?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5550 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 X5550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-940 is the better buy right now. Core i7-940 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $562 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5550 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 X5550 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 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 X5550 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 X5550

The Xeon X5550 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 2.66 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,036 points. Launch price was $62.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-940 and Xeon X5550 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 X5550 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-940 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i7-940 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5550 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940 scores 3,029 against the Xeon X5550's 3,036 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon X5550. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon X5550
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+5%	3.06 GHz
Base Clock	2.93 GHz+10%	2.66 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)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,029	3,036

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-940 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5550 — the Xeon X5550 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 3-channel memory with ECC support.

Feature	Core i7-940	Xeon X5550
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	—
RAM Channels	3	3
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	36	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-940) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5550). Primary use case: Core i7-940 targets Desktop, Xeon X5550 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5550 rivals Core i3-2100.