Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon E5-1603

Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon E5-1603 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 870K

4 / 4

3,443

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5-1603

4 / 4

3,482

+1.1%

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 870K vs Xeon E5-1603 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 870K vs Xeon E5-1603: 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 870K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅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 (3,443 vs 3,482).
❌Launch MSRP is still $90 MSRP, while Xeon E5-1603 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-1603

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 870K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 870K better than Xeon E5-1603?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1603 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon X4 870K 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 E5-1603 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 870K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 870K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $90 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1603 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (38.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon E5-1603 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X4 870K

The Athlon X4 870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 3,443 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-1603

The Xeon E5-1603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 3,482 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Athlon X4 870K and Xeon E5-1603 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. The Athlon X4 870K is built on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon X4 870K scores 3,443 against the Xeon E5-1603's 3,482 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-1603.

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Xeon E5-1603
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+39%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	—	10 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB	—
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	—
PassMark	3,443	3,482+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 870K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1603 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.