Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon X5660
Microsoft SQ1
Xeon X5660
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 Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank 877 and the Xeon X5660 is on rank 990, so the Microsoft SQ1 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5660
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon X5660 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon X5660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1682%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 Microsoft SQ1 and Xeon X5660
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Xeon X5660
The Xeon X5660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,979 points. Launch price was $33.
Processing Power
The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5660 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5660 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5660. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon X5660 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Xeon X5660's 5,979 — a 1% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5660.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon X5660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 12 MB (total)+500% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 6,039+1% | 5,979 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5660). Primary use case: Xeon X5660 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5660 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon X5660 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Xeon X5660 debuted at $1219. At current prices ($180 vs $10), the Xeon X5660 is $170 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 597.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X5660 — making the Xeon X5660 the 178.7% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon X5660 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-75% | $1219 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $10-94% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 597.9+1685% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2010 |
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