Athlon X4 860K vs Xeon X5698

Athlon X4 860K vs Xeon X5698 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 860K

4 / 4

3,425

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon X5698

2 / 4

3,447

+0.6%

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 860K vs Xeon X5698 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 860K vs Xeon X5698: 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 860K

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,425 vs 3,447).
❌Launch MSRP is still $80 MSRP, while Xeon X5698 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5698

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5698 better than Athlon X4 860K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5698 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon X4 860K 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 X5698 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 X5698 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon X5698 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5698 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon X4 860K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (42.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 X4 860K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 860K vs Xeon X5698 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X4 860K

The Athlon X4 860K 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,425 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon X5698

The Xeon X5698 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,447 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 860K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5698 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon X4 860K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Athlon X4 860K versus 4.4 GHz on the Xeon X5698 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5698 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Athlon X4 860K uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon X5698 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 860K scores 3,425 against the Xeon X5698's 3,447 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon X5698.

Feature	Athlon X4 860K	Xeon X5698
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.4 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	4.4 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	—	12288 kB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaveri (2014−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	3,425	3,447

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 860K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5698 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 860K versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5698 — the Athlon X4 860K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon X4 860K) vs 3 (Xeon X5698). Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 860K) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5698).

Feature	Athlon X4 860K	Xeon X5698
Socket	FM2+	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 860K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5698). Primary use case: Xeon X5698 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5698 rivals Core i7-980X.