Athlon X2 340 vs Xeon L5240

AMD

Athlon X2 340

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2012
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5240

40 WW2008
Similar parts
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Athlon X2 340 vs Xeon L5240 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 X2 340 vs Xeon L5240 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 X2 340 vs Xeon L5240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon X2 340

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (AMD Stock), unlike Xeon L5240.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,333 vs 1,337).
  • Launch MSRP is still $30 MSRP, while Xeon L5240 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 62.5% higher power demand at 65W vs 40W.

Xeon L5240

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 40W instead of 65W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon X2 340.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5240 better than Athlon X2 340?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5240 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon X2 340 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 L5240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L5240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon L5240 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L5240 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $30 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon X2 340 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (44.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FM2.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon X2 340 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X2 340 vs Xeon L5240 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X2 340

The Athlon X2 340 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,333 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon L5240

The Xeon L5240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 40 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,337 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Athlon X2 340 is built on the Trinity (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon X2 340 scores 1,333 against the Xeon L5240's 1,337 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon L5240.

FeatureAthlon X2 340Xeon L5240
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+7%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (total)
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Trinity (2012−2013)
PassMark
1,333
1,337
Geekbench 6 Single
397
Geekbench 6 Multi
549
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 340 uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5240 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon X2 340Xeon L5240
Socket
FM2
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (Athlon X2 340) / not specified (Xeon L5240). Primary use case: Athlon X2 340 targets Desktop.

FeatureAthlon X2 340Xeon L5240
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop