Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon X5698

Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon X5698 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 870K

4 / 4

3,443

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon X5698

2 / 4

3,447

+0.1%

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 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 870K 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 870K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% 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 3,447).
❌Launch MSRP is still $90 MSRP, while Xeon X5698 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5698

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% 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 X5698?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5698 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 X5698 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 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 $90 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5698 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (38.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 870K vs Xeon X5698 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 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 870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5698 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon X4 870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Athlon X4 870K versus 4.4 GHz on the Xeon X5698 — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Xeon X5698 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Athlon X4 870K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon X5698 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 870K scores 3,443 against the Xeon X5698's 3,447 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X5698.

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Xeon X5698
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.4 GHz+7%
Base Clock	3.9 GHz	4.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	—	12288 kB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	3,443	3,447

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 870K 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 870K versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5698 — the Athlon X4 870K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Athlon X4 870K) vs 3 (Xeon X5698). Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 870K) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5698).

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	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 870K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5698). Primary use case: Xeon X5698 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5698 rivals Core i7-980X.