Xeon E5472 vs Xeon X3430

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 E5472 vs Xeon X3430 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 E5472 vs Xeon X3430: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5472

2007

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon X3430

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,320 vs 2,333).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5472 better than Xeon X3430?

Yes. Xeon E5472 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5472 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 27 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E5472 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5472 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon X3430 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5472 vs Xeon X3430 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5472

The Xeon E5472 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $1,022.

Xeon X3430

The Xeon X3430 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,320 points. Launch price was $189.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5472 and Xeon X3430 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5472 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon X3430 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E5472 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon E5472 uses the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X3430 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5472 scores 2,333 against the Xeon X3430's 2,320 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5472. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5472 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3430.

Feature	Xeon E5472	Xeon X3430
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB L2 Cache+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)+2300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Harpertown (2007−2008)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,333	2,320

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5472 uses the LGA771 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3430 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.