CPU
GPU
Xeon X5560
Core i7-2715QE
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 X5560 is positioned at rank 687 and the Core i7-2715QE is on rank 1118, so the Xeon X5560 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5560
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2715QE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5560 | Core i7-2715QE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5560 | Core i7-2715QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 X5560 and Core i7-2715QE
Xeon X5560
The Xeon X5560 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.
Core i7-2715QE
The Core i7-2715QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,221 points. Launch price was $378.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon X5560 and Core i7-2715QE share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-2715QE — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5560 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon X5560 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-2715QE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5560 scores 3,231 against the Core i7-2715QE's 3,221 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X5560. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2715QE.
| Feature | Xeon X5560 | Core i7-2715QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+33% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Gainestown (2009−2010) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,231 | 3,221 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 587 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5560 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2715QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon X5560) vs 2 (Core i7-2715QE). Chipset compatibility: Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5560) and QM67,HM65 (Core i7-2715QE).
| Feature | Xeon X5560 | Core i7-2715QE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i7-2715QE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon X5560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5560 targets Workstation, Core i7-2715QE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100; Core i7-2715QE rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Xeon X5560 | Core i7-2715QE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Workstation | Embedded/Industrial |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon X5560 and Core i7-2715QE
