A8-6600K vs Xeon X5550
A8-6600K
Xeon X5550
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 A8-6600K is positioned at rank 426 and the Xeon X5550 is on rank 712, so the A8-6600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-6600K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-6600K | Xeon X5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-6600K | Xeon X5550 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 A8-6600K and Xeon X5550
A8-6600K
The A8-6600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,002 points. Launch price was $142.
Xeon X5550
The Xeon X5550 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,036 points. Launch price was $62.
Processing Power
The A8-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5550's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A8-6600K versus 3.06 GHz on the Xeon X5550 — a 31.4% clock advantage for the A8-6600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The A8-6600K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5550 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6600K scores 3,002 against the Xeon X5550's 3,036 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon X5550. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5550.
| Feature | A8-6600K | Xeon X5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+37% | 3.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+47% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Gainestown (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,002 | 3,036+1% |
Memory & Platform
The A8-6600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5550 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6600K versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5550 — the A8-6600K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A8-6600K) vs 3 (Xeon X5550). Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6600K) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5550).
| Feature | A8-6600K | Xeon X5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-6600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A8-6600K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5550). The A8-6600K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8570D), while the Xeon X5550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5550 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: A8-6600K rivals Core i3-4130; Xeon X5550 rivals Core i3-2100.
| Feature | A8-6600K | Xeon X5550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8570D | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
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