Pentium 987 vs Xeon E7320

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.

Pentium 987 vs Xeon E7320 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.

Pentium 987 vs Xeon E7320: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 987

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 17W instead of 80W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E7320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Xeon E7320 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E7320

2007

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,469 vs 1,487).
❌370.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 17W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 987 better than Xeon E7320?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7320 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium 987 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, Pentium 987 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium 987 is the better buy right now. Pentium 987 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $134 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E7320 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium 987 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2007). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Pentium 987 vs Xeon E7320 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 987

The Pentium 987 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,487 points. Launch price was $134.

Xeon E7320

The Xeon E7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,469 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 987 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium 987 scores 1,487 against the Xeon E7320's 1,469 — a 1.2% lead for the Pentium 987. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 987 vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E7320.

Feature	Pentium 987	Xeon E7320
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.13 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,487+1%	1,469

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 987 uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E7320 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.