Athlon X4 840 vs Xeon E5-2609 v2

AMD

Athlon X4 840

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2609 v2

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Athlon X4 840 vs Xeon E5-2609 v2 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 X4 840 vs Xeon E5-2609 v2 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 X4 840 vs Xeon E5-2609 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X4 840

2014

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,331 vs 3,369).
  • Launch MSRP is still $102 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2609 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2609 v2

2013

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • 23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 840 better than Xeon E5-2609 v2?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2609 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon X4 840 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 E5-2609 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon X4 840 is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $102 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2609 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (32.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 X4 840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 840 vs Xeon E5-2609 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X4 840

The Athlon X4 840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,331 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5-2609 v2

The Xeon E5-2609 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,369 points. Launch price was $396.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon X4 840 and Xeon E5-2609 v2 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Athlon X4 840 versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2609 v2 — a 41.3% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 840 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Athlon X4 840 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon E5-2609 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 840 scores 3,331 against the Xeon E5-2609 v2's 3,369 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2609 v2.

FeatureAthlon X4 840Xeon E5-2609 v2
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+52%
2.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+24%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
10 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm
22 nm-21%
Architecture
Kaveri (2014−2015)
Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark
3,331
3,369+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 840 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2609 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon X4 840Xeon E5-2609 v2
Socket
FM2+
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16