Athlon II X4 641 vs Xeon E5472

AMD

Athlon II X4 641

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5472

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 3 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Athlon II X4 641 vs Xeon E5472 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 641 vs Xeon E5472 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 641 vs Xeon E5472: 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 641

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,313 vs 2,333).
  • Launch MSRP is still $102 MSRP, while Xeon E5472 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 25% higher power demand at 100W vs 80W.

Xeon E5472

2007

Why buy it

  • Draws 80W instead of 100W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5472 better than Athlon II X4 641?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5472 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X4 641 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 E5472 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% more average FPS across 24 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5472 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5472 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $102 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 24 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X4 641 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (22.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 641 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X4 641 vs Xeon E5472 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II X4 641

The Athlon II X4 641 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,313 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5472

The Xeon E5472 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,333 points. Launch price was $1,022.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X4 641 and Xeon E5472 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Athlon II X4 641 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5472 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E5472 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Athlon II X4 641 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X4 641 scores 2,313 against the Xeon E5472's 2,333 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5472. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X4 641 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5472.

FeatureAthlon II X4 641Xeon E5472
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
3 GHz+7%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache
0 kB
12 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
6 MB (total)+500%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark
2,313
2,333
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X4 641 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon II X4 641Xeon E5472
Socket
FM1
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16