CPU
GPU
Xeon X5650
Core i7-3820
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 X5650 is positioned at rank 502 and the Core i7-3820 is on rank 791, so the Xeon X5650 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5650
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3820
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5650 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5650 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 X5650 and Core i7-3820
Xeon X5650
The Xeon X5650 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,742 points. Launch price was $53.
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
Processing Power
The Xeon X5650 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-3820 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X5650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Xeon X5650 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon X5650 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3820 uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5650 scores 5,742 against the Core i7-3820's 5,787 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3820. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5650 vs 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820.
| Feature | Xeon X5650 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.06 GHz | 3.8 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 3.6 GHz+35% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+20% | 10240 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,742 | 5,787 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 624 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5650 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-3820 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon X5650) vs 4 (Core i7-3820). Chipset compatibility: Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5650) and X79 (Core i7-3820).
| Feature | Xeon X5650 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3 | 4+33% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 40 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-3820 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon X5650 targets Workstation, Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon X5650 rivals Core i7-980X; Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Xeon X5650 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Workstation | HEDT Desktop |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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