Core i7-950 vs Xeon W3550
Core i7-950
Xeon W3550
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-950 is positioned at rank 1067 and the Xeon W3550 is on rank 837, so the Xeon W3550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-950
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-950 | Xeon W3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-950 | Xeon W3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+100%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-950 and Xeon W3550
Core i7-950
The Core i7-950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 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: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,250 points. Launch price was $290.
Xeon W3550
The Xeon W3550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 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: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,251 points. Launch price was $235.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-950 and Xeon W3550 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-950 versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon W3550 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). Both are built on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-950 scores 3,250 against the Xeon W3550's 3,251 — a 0% lead for the Xeon W3550. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-950 | Xeon W3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.33 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.06 GHz | 3.06 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 | 3,250 | 3,251 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Core i7-950 | Xeon W3550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-950 launched at $562 MSRP, while the Xeon W3550 debuted at $294. At current prices ($15 vs $30), the Core i7-950 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-950 delivers 216.7 pts/$ vs 108.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3550 — making the Core i7-950 the 66.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-950 | Xeon W3550 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $562 | $294-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-50% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 216.7+100% | 108.4 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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