Core i7-950 vs Xeon W3570

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 i7-950 vs Xeon W3570 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 i7-950 vs Xeon W3570: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-950

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $437 less on MSRP ($562 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 5.8 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($562 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,250 vs 3,267).

Xeon W3570

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 5.8 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $562 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3570 better than Core i7-950?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3570 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-950 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W3570 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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, Xeon W3570 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W3570 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W3570 comes in 77.8% more expensive on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $562 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 76.8% better value on paper (5.8 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

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

Xeon W3570 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i7-950 vs Xeon W3570 Technical Specifications

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

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 W3570

The Xeon W3570 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 3,267 points. Launch price was $480.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-950 and Xeon W3570 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-950 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W3570 — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Xeon W3570 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.2 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 W3570's 3,267 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon W3570. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-950	Xeon W3570
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz	3.46 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3.06 GHz	3.2 GHz+5%
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	3,267

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-950	Xeon W3570
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-950 was priced at $562, while the Xeon W3570 came in at $999. On launch pricing ($562 vs $999), Core i7-950 was $437 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-950 delivers 5.8 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W3570 — making the Core i7-950 the 55.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-950	Xeon W3570
MSRP	$562-44%	$999
Performance per Dollar	5.8+76%	3.3
Release Date	2009	2009

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