Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon L5335

AMD

Athlon II X3 440

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5335

4 Cores4 Thrd50 WWMax: 2 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon L5335 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 L5335 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 L5335: 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

  • Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $305 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).
  • Delivers 408.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5335, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • 90% higher power demand at 95W vs 50W.

Xeon L5335

2007

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Draws 50W instead of 95W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon II X3 440 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,737 vs 1,743).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($380 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X3 440 better than Xeon L5335?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5335 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon II X3 440 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X3 440 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 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 $305 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $380 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 408.4% better value on MSRP (23.2 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), 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) and more multi-core headroom with 3 cores / 3 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon II X3 440 vs Xeon L5335 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 L5335

The Xeon L5335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 August 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 50 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,737 points. Launch price was $380.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X3 440 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Xeon L5335 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon L5335 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Athlon II X3 440 versus 2 GHz on the Xeon L5335 — 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 L5335 uses Clovertown (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 440 scores 1,743 against the Xeon L5335's 1,737 — a 0.3% lead for the Athlon II X3 440. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 440 vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L5335.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon L5335
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
8 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
4 MB (total)+700%
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Rana (2009−2011)
Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark
1,743
1,737
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X3 440 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5335 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon L5335
Socket
AM3
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X3 440 was priced at $75, while the Xeon L5335 came in at $380. On launch pricing ($75 vs $380), Athlon II X3 440 was $305 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 440 delivers 23.2 pts/$ vs 4.6 pts/$ for the Xeon L5335 — making the Athlon II X3 440 the 134.3% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X3 440Xeon L5335
MSRP
$75-80%
$380
Performance per Dollar
23.2+404%
4.6
Release Date
2010
2007

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