CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon X5550 and Intel Core i7-930 are near-identical in benchmark performance, but the data shows the Xeon X5550 takes a narrow, consistent lead across every tested workload. Neither processor is a clear winner; the Xeon is the better performer, while the Core i7-930 is the better fit for desktop use due to its higher base clock and lack of server-specific features.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon X5550 wins all five head-to-head benchmark comparisons, but the margins are razor-thin. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the Xeon scores 259 against the Core i7-930's 258, a delta of just 0.4%. This pattern repeats across every other test: the Xeon leads by 0.7% in Cinebench R20 multi-core (1083 vs 1076) and single-core (152 vs 151), and by 0.7% in Cinebench R23 multi-core (2580 vs 2563). The largest gap appears in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the Xeon's 364 score beats the Core i7-930's 361 by 0.8%.

These differences are statistically insignificant in real-world terms. The average benchmark score for the Xeon is 888, while the Core i7-930 sits at 882, a 0.7% gap that places both processors in the same performance tier. The Xeon's percentile rank of 24 versus the Core i7-930's 23 confirms they occupy nearly identical positions in the global CPU landscape.

The Xeon's wins are consistent but not transformative. It never trails the Core i7-930 in any benchmark, yet the largest advantage it can claim is less than one percent. In practical terms, a user upgrading from one to the other would notice no difference in application speed. The data suggests these are essentially the same processor with different branding and platform validation.

Architecture Differences

Both CPUs are built on the same 45 nm Nehalem architecture, manufactured by Intel with 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² die. They share identical cache configurations: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Both support DDR3 memory over a triple-channel bus and use PCIe Gen 2.

The architectural divergence is minimal. The Xeon X5550 uses the Gainestown codename and belongs to the Xeon (Gainestown) generation, while the Core i7-930 uses Bloomfield and belongs to the Core i7 (Bloomfield) generation. Both are 4-core, 8-thread parts with the same 3.07 GHz boost clock. The base clocks differ slightly: the Xeon runs at 2.67 GHz, while the Core i7-930 runs at 2.80 GHz.

The most significant differences lie in platform features. The Xeon supports ECC memory; the Core i7-930 does not. The Xeon is classified as a Server/Workstation part, while the Core i7-930 is a Desktop part. Their TDPs diverge substantially: the Xeon draws 95 watts, while the Core i7-930 draws 130 watts. This 35-watt difference is notable because the Xeon achieves equal or slightly better performance with a much lower power envelope.

Both processors use the same Intel Socket 1366, are end-of-life, and have no integrated graphics. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Xeon was released on 2009-03-29, while the Core i7-930 came later on 2010-02-27. Their part numbers are SLBF5 (Xeon) and SLBKP (Core i7-930).

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Xeon X5550 as the better processor, but only by the slimmest of margins. It wins every benchmark, achieves a higher average score (888 vs 882), and does so while drawing 35 watts less power. For anyone building or upgrading a system on Socket 1366, the Xeon is the technically superior choice from a pure performance-per-watt standpoint.

The Core i7-930 is not without merit. Its higher base clock of 2.80 GHz means it starts from a faster default state, and its desktop classification makes it the natural fit for consumer motherboards that do not require ECC memory support. The Xeon's server/workstation segment suggests it was validated for different workloads, but the benchmark data shows no meaningful advantage in the tested Cinebench scenarios.

The decision hinges on platform needs rather than raw performance. If ECC memory is required, the Xeon is the only option. If the system is a desktop build without ECC requirements, the Core i7-930's lower cost of entry into the same socket ecosystem might make it more appealing, though the data does not quantify pricing. Both processors are end-of-life, so availability and motherboard compatibility will likely dictate the final choice.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Xeon X5550 wins all three multi-core tests: Cinebench R15 (259 vs 258), Cinebench R20 (1083 vs 1076), and Cinebench R23 (2580 vs 2563). The margins range from 0.4% to 0.7%.

Q: Do these CPUs have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads. They also share identical cache layouts: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Xeon X5550 has a TDP of 95 watts, while the Core i7-930 has a TDP of 130 watts. This means the Xeon consumes significantly less power despite performing nearly identically.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon X5550 supports ECC memory, while the Core i7-930 does not. This is a key differentiator for server or workstation builds.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock?

A: The Core i7-930 has a base clock of 2.80 GHz, which is higher than the Xeon X5550's 2.67 GHz. However, both have the same boost clock of 3.07 GHz.

Q: Are these processors from the same generation?

A: They share the same Nehalem architecture and 45 nm process node, but they have different codenames: the Xeon is Gainestown, and the Core i7-930 is Bloomfield. Both are end-of-life products.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon X5550 wins every benchmark category, so its advantage is universal across the tested workloads. It leads by 0.4% in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 0.7% in Cinebench R20 multi-core and single-core, 0.7% in Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 0.8% in Cinebench R23 single-core. Its average benchmark score of 888 is 0.7% higher than the Core i7-930's 882. The Xeon's 95-watt TDP also gives it a clear efficiency win over the Core i7-930's 130-watt TDP.

The Core i7-930's only measurable advantages are its higher base clock (2.80 GHz vs 2.67 GHz) and its desktop market segment. It does not win a single benchmark. For users who value lower power consumption, ECC memory support, and marginally higher performance, the Xeon is the clear pick. For users building a desktop system without ECC requirements and who want the higher base clock, the Core i7-930 is the more appropriate choice, though the benchmark data does not justify choosing it for speed.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Xeon X5550 has a base clock of 2.67 GHz, while the Core i7-930 has a base clock of 2.80 GHz, both boost to 3.07 GHz. TDP is a major differentiator: 95 watts for the Xeon versus 130 watts for the Core i7-930. The Xeon supports ECC memory; the Core i7-930 does not. The Xeon is a Server/Workstation part with the Gainestown codename, while the Core i7-930 is a Desktop part with the Bloomfield codename. The Xeon was released on 2009-03-29, and the Core i7-930 was released on 2010-02-27. Their part numbers are SLBF5 and SLBKP, respectively. All other specifications, cores, threads, boost clock, cache, memory bus, PCIe generation, process node, transistors, die size, socket, and integrated graphics, are identical between the two.