Xeon E5530 vs Xeon X5482

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 E5530 vs Xeon X5482 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 E5530 vs Xeon X5482: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5530

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 80W instead of 150W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,739 vs 2,755).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5482

2007

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌87.5% higher power demand at 150W vs 80W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5482 better than Xeon E5530?

Yes. Xeon X5482 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 49 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 X5482 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X5482 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 X5482 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5482 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5530 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 E5530 vs Xeon X5482 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5530

The Xeon E5530 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 2,739 points. Launch price was $340.

Xeon X5482

The Xeon X5482 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,755 points. Launch price was $1,279.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5530 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon X5482's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Xeon E5530 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5482 — a 18.4% clock advantage for the Xeon X5482 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon E5530 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5482 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5530 scores 2,739 against the Xeon X5482's 2,755 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon X5482. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5530 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5482.

Feature	Xeon E5530	Xeon X5482
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.66 GHz	3.2 GHz+20%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB (total)+2300%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Gainestown (2009−2010)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,739	2,755

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5530 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5482 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.