Core i7-940XM vs Xeon L5520

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 i7-940XM vs Xeon L5520 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 i7-940XM vs Xeon L5520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 60W, a 5W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,269 vs 2,274).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,096 MSRP, while Xeon L5520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5520

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Xeon L5520?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-940XM 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 L5520 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 i7-940XM is the better buy right now. Core i7-940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon L5520 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM vs Xeon L5520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Xeon L5520

The Xeon L5520 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,274 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-940XM and Xeon L5520 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM versus 2.48 GHz on the Xeon L5520 — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i7-940XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon L5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940XM scores 2,269 against the Xeon L5520's 2,274 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon L5520. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Xeon L5520
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz+34%	2.48 GHz
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.26 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,269	2,274

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.