CPU
GPU
Xeon X5667
Core i7-2960XM
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 X5667 is positioned at rank 579 and the Core i7-2960XM is on rank 60, so the Core i7-2960XM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5667
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2960XM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5667 | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5667 | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 X5667 and Core i7-2960XM
Xeon X5667
The Xeon X5667 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 4,697 points. Launch price was $80.
Core i7-2960XM
The Core i7-2960XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,709 points. Launch price was $1,096.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon X5667 and Core i7-2960XM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Xeon X5667 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-2960XM — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2960XM (base: 3.06 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon X5667 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2960XM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5667 scores 4,697 against the Core i7-2960XM's 4,709 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-2960XM. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5667 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2960XM.
| Feature | Xeon X5667 | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz | 3.7 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 3.06 GHz+13% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+50% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,697 | 4,709 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5667 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2960XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5667 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2960XM — the Core i7-2960XM supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon X5667) vs 2 (Core i7-2960XM). Chipset compatibility: Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5667) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2960XM).
| Feature | Xeon X5667 | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2960XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5667) vs true (Core i7-2960XM). The Core i7-2960XM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon X5667 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5667 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5667 rivals Core i7-980X; Core i7-2960XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.
| Feature | Xeon X5667 | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
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