Xeon E5520 vs Xeon X3370

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 E5520 vs Xeon X3370 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 E5520 vs Xeon X3370: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3370 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,541 vs 2,544).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X3370

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3370 better than Xeon E5520?

Yes. Xeon X3370 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X3370 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3370 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark. 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 X3370 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X3370 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5520 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5520 vs Xeon X3370 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5520

The Xeon E5520 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 2,541 points. Launch price was $19.

Xeon X3370

The Xeon X3370 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,544 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5520 is built on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5520 scores 2,541 against the Xeon X3370's 2,544 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X3370. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5520 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3370.

Feature	Xeon E5520	Xeon X3370
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	2.53 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	3 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Gainestown (2009−2010)	—
PassMark	2,541	2,544

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5520 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3370 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.