Xeon X5660 vs Microsoft SQ1
Xeon X5660
Microsoft SQ1
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 X5660 is positioned at rank 990 and the Microsoft SQ1 is on rank 877, so the Microsoft SQ1 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5660
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5660 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5660 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1682%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 X5660 and Microsoft SQ1
Xeon X5660
The Xeon X5660 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 5,979 points. Launch price was $33.
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Xeon X5660 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5660 versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5660. The Xeon X5660 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5660 scores 5,979 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 1% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5660 vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.
| Feature | Xeon X5660 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+500% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) |
| PassMark | 5,979 | 6,039+1% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5660) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). Primary use case: Xeon X5660 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5660 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Xeon X5660 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X5660 launched at $1219 MSRP, while the Microsoft SQ1 debuted at $300. At current prices ($10 vs $180), the Xeon X5660 is $170 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X5660 delivers 597.9 pts/$ vs 33.5 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Xeon X5660 the 178.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X5660 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1219 | $300-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-94% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 597.9+1685% | 33.5 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon X5660 and Microsoft SQ1
