Athlon II X4 620e vs Xeon X3450

AMD

Athlon II X4 620e

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X3450

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Athlon II X4 620e vs Xeon X3450 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 620e vs Xeon X3450 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 620e vs Xeon X3450: 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 620e

2011

Why buy it

  • +1% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $142 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $241 MSRP).
  • Delivers 145.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.4 vs 11.9 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $241 MSRP).
  • Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3450 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3450, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3450

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,877 vs 2,906).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.9 vs 29.4 PassMark/$ ($241 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
  • 111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon II X4 620e better than Xeon X3450?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3450 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X4 620e 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, Athlon II X4 620e is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon II X4 620e is the better buy right now. Athlon II X4 620e comes in $142 cheaper on MSRP at $99 MSRP versus $241 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X3450 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 145.9% better value on MSRP (29.4 vs 11.9 PassMark/$), 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 620e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon II X4 620e vs Xeon X3450 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 620e

The Athlon II X4 620e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) 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): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,906 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon X3450

The Xeon X3450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,877 points. Launch price was $241.

Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 620e packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X3450's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Athlon II X4 620e versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X3450 — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Xeon X3450 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Athlon II X4 620e uses the Propus (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X3450 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 620e scores 2,906 against the Xeon X3450's 2,877 — a 1% lead for the Athlon II X4 620e. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 620e vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3450.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eXeon X3450
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.66 GHz+2%
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Propus (2009−2011)
Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
2,906+1%
2,877
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 620e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3450 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eXeon X3450
Socket
AM3
LGA1156
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 X4 620e was priced at $99, while the Xeon X3450 came in at $241. On launch pricing ($99 vs $241), Athlon II X4 620e was $142 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X4 620e delivers 29.4 pts/$ vs 11.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X3450 — making the Athlon II X4 620e the 84.4% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X4 620eXeon X3450
MSRP
$99-59%
$241
Performance per Dollar
29.4+147%
11.9
Release Date
2011
2009

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