Core i7-950 vs Xeon X5560

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 X5560 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 X5560: 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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $562 MSRP, while Xeon X5560 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,231 vs 3,250).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-950 better than Xeon X5560?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 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, Core i7-950 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Core i7-950 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-950 is the better buy right now. Core i7-950 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $562 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-950 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 X5560 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 X5560

The Xeon X5560 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 2.8 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-950 and Xeon X5560 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-950 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i7-950 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-950 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-950 scores 3,250 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-950. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-950	Xeon X5560
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz+4%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.06 GHz+9%	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)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,250	3,231

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-950	Xeon X5560
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-950) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). Primary use case: Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.