
Xeon X3470 vs Xeon X3480

Xeon X3470

Xeon X3480
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 X3470 is positioned at rank 976 and the Xeon X3480 is on rank 981, so the Xeon X3470 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3470
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X3470 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($16) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($48) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X3470 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+201%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($16) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($48) |
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 X3470 and Xeon X3480

Xeon X3470
The Xeon X3470 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,341 points. Launch price was $589.

Xeon X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon X3470 and Xeon X3480 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X3470 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). Both are built on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon X3470 scores 3,341 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X3470. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon X3470 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.73 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.06 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,341 | 3,327 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1156 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Xeon X3470 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X3470 launched at $589 MSRP, while the Xeon X3480 debuted at $612. At current prices ($16 vs $48), the Xeon X3470 is $32 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X3470 delivers 208.8 pts/$ vs 69.3 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon X3470 the 100.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X3470 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589-4% | $612 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $16-67% | $48 |
| Performance per Dollar | 208.8+201% | 69.3 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2010 |
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