Athlon II X4 620 vs Xeon X5355

AMD

Athlon II X4 620

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Xeon X5355

4 Cores4 Thrd120 WWMax: 0.67 GHz2006

Athlon II X4 620 vs Xeon X5355 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 X4 620 vs Xeon X5355 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 X4 620 vs Xeon X5355: 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 X4 620

2009

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $4,392 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 4407.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 0.5 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $4,491 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 95W instead of 120W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,026 vs 2,039).

Xeon X5355

2006

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 0.5 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($4,491 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
  • ❌26.3% higher power demand at 120W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X4 620 better than Xeon X5355?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5355 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X4 620 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 X5355 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 X4 620 is the better buy right now. Athlon II X4 620 comes in $4,392 cheaper on MSRP at $99 MSRP versus $4,491 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5355 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 4407.4% better value on MSRP (20.5 vs 0.5 PassMark/$), 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 X4 620 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 620 vs Xeon X5355 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 620

The Athlon II X4 620 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 16 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 2,026 points. Launch price was $65.

Intel

Xeon X5355

The Xeon X5355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006βˆ’2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,039 points. Launch price was $1,172.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X4 620 and Xeon X5355 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X4 620 versus 0.67 GHz on the Xeon X5355 β€” a 118% clock advantage for the Athlon II X4 620 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Athlon II X4 620 uses the Propus (2009βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5355 uses Clovertown (2006βˆ’2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 620 scores 2,026 against the Xeon X5355's 2,039 β€” a 0.6% lead for the Xeon X5355. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 620 vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5355.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620Xeon X5355
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+288%
0.67 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.66 GHz+2%
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
Propus (2009βˆ’2011)
Clovertown (2006βˆ’2007)
PassMark
2,026
2,039
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 620 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5355 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620Xeon X5355
Socket
AM3
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
β€”
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
β€”
RAM Channels
2
β€”
ECC Support
No
β€”
PCIe Lanes
0
β€”
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X4 620 was priced at $99, while the Xeon X5355 came in at $4491. On launch pricing ($99 vs $4491), Athlon II X4 620 was $4392 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 620 delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 0.5 pts/$ for the Xeon X5355 β€” making the Athlon II X4 620 the 191.3% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620Xeon X5355
MSRP
$99-98%
$4491
Performance per Dollar
20.5+4000%
0.5
Release Date
2009
2006

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