Xeon X3470 vs Xeon X3480

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 X3470 vs Xeon X3480 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 X3470 vs Xeon X3480: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon X3470

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $23 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $612 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Xeon X3480

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,327 vs 3,341).
❌
3.9% HIGHER MSRP
$612 MSRPvs$589 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3470 better than Xeon X3480?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon X3480 is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3470 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon X3470 is the better buy right now. Xeon X3470 comes in $23 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $612 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X3480 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.3% better value on MSRP (5.7 vs 5.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon X3480 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon X3470 vs Xeon X3480 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon X3470 was priced at $589, while the Xeon X3480 came in at $612. On launch pricing ($589 vs $612), Xeon X3470 was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X3470 delivers 5.7 pts/$ vs 5.4 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon X3470 the 4.2% better value option.

Feature	Xeon X3470	Xeon X3480
MSRP	$589-4%	$612
Performance per Dollar	5.7+6%	5.4
Release Date	2009	2010

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