Athlon II X4 638 vs Xeon L5520

Athlon II X4 638 vs Xeon L5520 Performance Spectrum

Athlon II X4 638

4 / 4

2,260

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon L5520

4 / 8

2,274

+0.6%

Celeron 847

Core i3-530

Pentium Dual Core T2390

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 638 vs Xeon L5520 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 638 vs Xeon L5520: 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 638

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,274).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon L5520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 60W instead of 65W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5520 better than Athlon II X4 638?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X4 638 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon L5520 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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, Xeon L5520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon L5520 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L5520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 638 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM1.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Athlon II X4 638 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 638 vs Xeon L5520 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon II X4 638

The Athlon II X4 638 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon L5520

The Xeon L5520 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,274 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

The Athlon II X4 638 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon L5520's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X4 638 versus 2.48 GHz on the Xeon L5520 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Athlon II X4 638 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Athlon II X4 638 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon L5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 638 scores 2,260 against the Xeon L5520's 2,274 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon L5520. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 638 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon L5520.

Feature	Athlon II X4 638	Xeon L5520
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+9%	2.48 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+19%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,260	2,274

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 638 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.