Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon E5405

AMD

Athlon II X3 440

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5405

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon E5405 Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon E5405 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.

Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon E5405: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon II X3 440

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $134 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $209 MSRP).
  • Delivers 177.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $209 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,743 vs 1,753).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5405, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • 18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Xeon E5405

2007

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($209 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 440 better than Xeon E5405?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5405 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X3 440 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 E5405 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X3 440 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X3 440 comes in $134 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $209 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5405 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 177.1% better value on MSRP (23.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II X3 440 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon E5405 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X3 440

The Athlon II X3 440 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,743 points. Launch price was $47.

Intel

Xeon E5405

The Xeon E5405 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,753 points. Launch price was $209.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 440 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Xeon E5405 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5405 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5405 — a 40% clock advantage for the Athlon II X3 440 (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Athlon II X3 440 uses the Rana (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5405 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 440 scores 1,743 against the Xeon E5405's 1,753 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5405. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 440 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5405.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon E5405
Cores / Threads
3 / 3
4 / 4+33%
Boost Clock
3 GHz+50%
2 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz+50%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
12 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
6 MB (total)+1100%
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark
1,743
1,753
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 440 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5405 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Athlon II X3 440 versus DDR2-667 on the Xeon E5405 — the Athlon II X3 440 supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon E5405
Socket
AM3
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+100%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon II X3 440) / VT-x (Xeon E5405). Primary use case: Xeon E5405 targets Server.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon E5405
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X3 440 was priced at $75, while the Xeon E5405 came in at $209. On launch pricing ($75 vs $209), Athlon II X3 440 was $134 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 440 delivers 23.2 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5405 — making the Athlon II X3 440 the 93.9% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon E5405
MSRP
$75-64%
$209
Performance per Dollar
23.2+176%
8.4
Release Date
2010
2007

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