Xeon E5-2420 vs Xeon X5677

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.

Xeon E5-2420 vs Xeon X5677 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.

Xeon E5-2420 vs Xeon X5677: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2420

2012

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5677 across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,012 vs 5,054).

Xeon X5677

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5677 better than Xeon E5-2420?

Yes. Xeon X5677 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5677 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X5677 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon X5677 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5677 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5-2420 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2420 vs Xeon X5677 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2420

The Xeon E5-2420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,012 points. Launch price was $390.

Xeon X5677

The Xeon X5677 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,054 points. Launch price was $350.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2420 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon X5677 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E5-2420 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Xeon E5-2420 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5677 — a 43.4% clock advantage for the Xeon X5677 (base: 1.9 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Xeon E5-2420 uses the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5677 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2420 scores 5,012 against the Xeon X5677's 5,054 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon X5677. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2420 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5677.

Feature	Xeon E5-2420	Xeon X5677
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.73 GHz+55%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	3.46 GHz+82%
L3 Cache	15360 kB (total)+25%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	5,012	5,054

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2420 uses the LGA1356 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5677 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E5-2420	Xeon X5677
Socket	LGA1356	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2420) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5677). Primary use case: Xeon X5677 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5677 rivals Core i7-980X.