A6-3600 vs Xeon E5502

CPU

GPU

A6-3600

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Xeon E5502

2 Cores2 Thrd80 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2009

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A6-3600 vs Xeon E5502 Performance Spectrum

A6-3600

4 / 4

1,718

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5502

2 / 2

1,725

+0.4%

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.

A6-3600 vs Xeon E5502 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-3600 vs Xeon E5502: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-3600

2011

Why buy it

✅+26.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $93 less on MSRP ($95 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).
✅Delivers 97.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6530D, while Xeon E5502 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,718 vs 1,725).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5502, which brings 2 cores / 2 threads and 32 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5502

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 2 threads, plus 32 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (32 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (200 vs 253).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($188 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).
❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A6-3600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-3600.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-3600 better than Xeon E5502?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5502 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A6-3600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5502 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A6-3600 is the better buy right now. A6-3600 comes in $93 cheaper on MSRP at $95 MSRP versus $188 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5502 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 97.1% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A6-3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-3600 vs Xeon E5502 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-3600

The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.

Xeon E5502

The Xeon E5502 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,725 points. Launch price was $95.

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Processing Power

The A6-3600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5502 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A6-3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-3600 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon E5502 — a 24.8% clock advantage for the A6-3600 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The A6-3600 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5502 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-3600 scores 1,718 against the Xeon E5502's 1,725 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5502. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 253 vs 200, a 23.4% lead for the A6-3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A6-3600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5502.

Feature	A6-3600	Xeon E5502
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+28%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+13%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,718	1,725
Geekbench 6 Single	253+27%	200
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	800

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Memory & Platform

The A6-3600 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5502 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A6-3600 versus DDR3-800 on the Xeon E5502 — the A6-3600 supports 133.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5502 supports up to 144 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A6-3600) vs 3 (Xeon E5502). PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-3600) vs 32 (Xeon E5502) — the Xeon E5502 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A6-3600) and Intel 5500,Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon E5502).

Feature	A6-3600	Xeon E5502
Socket	FM1	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+133%	DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	144 GB+800%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	32+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (A6-3600) vs true (Xeon E5502). The A6-3600 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6530D), while the Xeon E5502 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A6-3600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-3600 rivals Pentium G630.

Feature	A6-3600	Xeon E5502
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6530D	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A6-3600 was priced at $95, while the Xeon E5502 came in at $188. On launch pricing ($95 vs $188), A6-3600 was $93 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A6-3600 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5502 — making the A6-3600 the 65.4% better value option.

Feature	A6-3600	Xeon E5502
MSRP	$95-49%	$188
Performance per Dollar	18.1+97%	9.2
Release Date	2011	2009

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