CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i7-3612QE and Intel Xeon E5640 are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, yet they represent two distinct philosophies in Intel's lineup: a low-power mobile chip versus a server/workstation part from an older generation. The benchmark data reveals a decisive performance hierarchy, with the newer mobile processor consistently outperforming the older Xeon across every tested workload. This analysis breaks down the head-to-head results, architectural divergences, and the specific use cases where each chip retains a purpose.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Core i7-3612QE in all five Cinebench comparisons. The most significant margin appears in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, where the i7-3612QE scores 399 against the Xeon E5640's 332, a 20.2% advantage. This pattern holds in the newer Cinebench R20 multi-core test, with the i7-3612QE posting 1666 points versus 1387 for the Xeon, a 20.1% lead. The single-core results are equally one-sided; in Cinebench R20 single-core, the i7-3612QE achieves 235 points, which is 20.5% higher than the Xeon's 195 points.

The most demanding workload, Cinebench R23, further confirms the trend. In multi-core, the i7-3612QE scores 3967, while the Xeon E5640 trails at 3303, a 20.1% gap. The single-core R23 test shows the i7-3612QE at 560 points versus 466 for the Xeon, a 20.2% difference. Across the board, the deltas are remarkably consistent, hovering right around the 20% mark. This uniformity suggests the performance advantage is not workload-specific but rather a fundamental throughput and IPC improvement of the newer architecture.

Looking at the broader context, the i7-3612QE's average benchmark score is 1147, placing it in the 33rd percentile of all CPUs. The Xeon E5640's average score is 1137, putting it in the 32nd percentile. While the head-to-head deltas are large, their overall percentile rankings are nearly identical, indicating both chips sit in the same low-to-mid tier of the modern CPU landscape. The i7-3612QE's nearest rival is the AMD Opteron 4284 with an average score of 1146 (0.1% delta), while the Xeon E5640's closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-2550K at 1136 (0.1% delta). These rival comparisons suggest that despite the 20% delta between our two subjects, both are firmly grouped with similarly performing processors from their respective eras.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural divide stems from process node and generation. The Intel Core i7-3612QE is built on a 22 nm process using the Ivy Bridge architecture, while the Intel Xeon E5640 uses a 32 nm process based on the older Westmere-EP design. This node advantage is a primary driver of the i7-3612QE's superior performance-per-clock and efficiency. The i7-3612QE contains 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die, whereas the Xeon E5640 has 1,170 million transistors on a significantly larger 239 mm² die. The newer process allows the i7-3612QE to pack more transistors into a smaller area, contributing to its higher performance despite lower clock speeds.

Clock speed strategy differs notably between the two. The Xeon E5640 has a higher base clock of 2.67 GHz, which boosts to 2.93 GHz. The i7-3612QE starts lower at 2.10 GHz base but boosts higher to 3.10 GHz. This means the i7-3612QE has a much wider boost range, and its maximum single-core clock is higher. The Xeon's narrow boost range of only 0.26 GHz contrasts sharply with the i7-3612QE's 1.0 GHz boost headroom, allowing the mobile chip to aggressively ramp up when thermal conditions permit.

Cache configuration also favors the Xeon in capacity but not necessarily in efficiency. The Xeon E5640 offers 12 MB of shared L3 cache, double the i7-3612QE's 6 MB. Both have identical L1 and L2 cache sizes per core: 64 KB and 256 KB, respectively. The larger L3 on the Xeon is a legacy design choice for server workloads, but it does not overcome the Ivy Bridge's architectural improvements. Memory support diverges as well; the Xeon supports DDR3 memory with a triple-channel memory bus, while the i7-3612QE uses a dual-channel bus. The i7-3612QE also lacks ECC memory support, which is a critical feature present on the Xeon E5640.

Integrated graphics is another clear differentiator. The i7-3612QE includes Intel HD 4000 graphics, making it a complete system-on-chip solution for mobile platforms. The Xeon E5640 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for any display output. The Xeon also supports PCIe Gen 2, while the i7-3612QE's PCIe specification is not listed in the data. Market positioning further separates them: the i7-3612QE is a mobile segment part on the Intel BGA 1023 socket, while the Xeon E5640 is a server/workstation part on Intel Socket 1366. The Xeon is also marked as end-of-life in production status, whereas the i7-3612QE's status is unspecified.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i7-3612QE is consistently faster. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 399 versus the Xeon E5640's 332, a 20.2% advantage. The R23 multi-core test shows a similar gap: 3967 versus 3303, a 20.1% lead.

Q: Does the Xeon E5640 have any performance advantage?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the i7-3612QE wins all five benchmark comparisons. The Xeon's higher base clock of 2.67 GHz does not translate into a win in any tested workload.

Q: What are the key differences in memory support?

A: The Xeon E5640 supports DDR3 memory with a triple-channel memory bus and includes ECC memory support. The i7-3612QE uses a dual-channel memory bus and does not support ECC memory.

Q: Why is the i7-3612QE more efficient despite lower clock speeds?

A: The i7-3612QE is built on a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a 160 mm² die, compared to the Xeon's 32 nm process with 1,170 million transistors on a 239 mm² die. This newer process enables higher performance at lower power, reflected in the i7-3612QE's 35 W TDP versus the Xeon's 80 W TDP.

Q: Which processor has more cache?

A: The Xeon E5640 has more L3 cache at 12 MB shared, compared to the i7-3612QE's 6 MB shared. Both have identical L1 and L2 cache sizes per core: 64 KB and 256 KB, respectively.

Q: Can the i7-3612QE operate without a discrete graphics card?

A: Yes. The i7-3612QE includes integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics. The Xeon E5640 has no integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for display output.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-3612QE | Intel Xeon E5640 |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 2.67 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.93 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1023 | Intel Socket 1366 |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Westmere-EP |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 32 nm |

| Transistors | 1,400 million | 1,170 million |

| Die Size | 160 mm² | 239 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | Not listed | DDR3 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Triple-channel |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Not listed | Gen 2 |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4000 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Server/Workstation |

| Production Status | Not listed | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2012-04-28 | 2010-03-15 |

| Part Number | SR0ND | SLBVC |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-3612QE wins in every single benchmark category measured. Its strongest suit is raw computational throughput, where it holds a consistent 20% advantage over the Xeon E5640 across both single-core and multi-core tests. This makes it the superior choice for any compute-intensive application, from rendering to general productivity. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the Xeon's 80 W, making it dramatically more power-efficient. The inclusion of Intel HD 4000 graphics means it can serve as a complete, self-contained processing unit without needing a discrete GPU. For mobile workstations or compact systems where power draw and integrated graphics are paramount, the i7-3612QE is the clear winner.

The Intel Xeon E5640 retains relevance in specific legacy server or workstation environments. Its triple-channel memory bus provides higher memory bandwidth potential compared to the i7-3612QE's dual-channel bus, which can benefit memory-intensive server workloads that are not represented in these Cinebench tests. The ECC memory support is a critical feature for data integrity in mission-critical server applications, a capability the i7-3612QE completely lacks. Its larger 12 MB L3 cache could also prove beneficial in workloads with large working sets that fit within that cache. While it loses every Cinebench test, the Xeon's server-oriented features, ECC, triple-channel memory, and larger cache, make it the appropriate choice for legacy server builds where those specific capabilities are required. Its end-of-life status, however, limits its appeal for new deployments.