CPU
GPU
Xeon E5502
Core i3-3120M
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 Xeon E5502 is positioned at rank 893 and the Core i3-3120M is on rank 460, so the Core i3-3120M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5502
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3120M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5502 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5502 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Xeon E5502 and Core i3-3120M
Xeon E5502
The Xeon E5502 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 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,725 points. Launch price was $95.
Core i3-3120M
The Core i3-3120M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,709 points. Launch price was $160.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5502 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3120M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Xeon E5502 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M — a 28.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon E5502 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-3120M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5502 scores 1,725 against the Core i3-3120M's 1,709 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5502. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 200 vs 440, a 75% lead for the Core i3-3120M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 800 vs 930 (15% advantage for the Core i3-3120M). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5502 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M.
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 2.5 GHz+34% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.5 GHz+34% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Gainestown (2009−2010) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,725 | 1,709 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 200 | 440+120% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 800 | 930+16% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5502 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3120M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-800 memory speed. The Xeon E5502 supports up to 144 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 127.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon E5502) vs 2 (Core i3-3120M). PCIe lanes: 32 (Xeon E5502) vs 16 (Core i3-3120M) — the Xeon E5502 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 5500,Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon E5502) and HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M).
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-800 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 144 GB+350% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 32+100% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Xeon E5502) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5502 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Budget Laptop |
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