Atom x5-E8000 vs Xeon X5560

Intel

Atom x5-E8000

4 Cores4 Thrd5 WWMax: 1.04 GHz2016
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon X5560

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Atom x5-E8000 vs Xeon X5560 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.

Atom x5-E8000 vs Xeon X5560 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.

Atom x5-E8000 vs Xeon X5560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom x5-E8000

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 5W instead of 95W, a 90W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Braswell), while Xeon X5560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,219 vs 3,231).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5560, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $18 MSRP, while Xeon X5560 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 1800% higher power demand at 95W vs 5W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Atom x5-E8000 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5560 better than Atom x5-E8000?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Atom x5-E8000 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 X5560 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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 X5560 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon X5560 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5560 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $18 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Atom x5-E8000 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2016 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (178.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Atom x5-E8000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-E8000 vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom x5-E8000

The Atom x5-E8000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.04 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,219 points. Launch price was $39.

Intel

Xeon X5560

The Xeon X5560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.

Processing Power

The Atom x5-E8000 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5560's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.04 GHz on the Atom x5-E8000 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 101.9% clock advantage for the Xeon X5560. The Atom x5-E8000 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E8000 scores 3,219 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X5560. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E8000 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.

FeatureAtom x5-E8000Xeon X5560
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
1.04 GHz
3.2 GHz+208%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Cherry Trail (2015−2016)
Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark
3,219
3,231
🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Atom x5-E8000 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5560 — the Atom x5-E8000 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Atom x5-E8000) vs 3 (Xeon X5560). Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1170 (Atom x5-E8000) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5560).

FeatureAtom x5-E8000Xeon X5560
Socket
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E8000) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). The Atom x5-E8000 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Braswell)), while the Xeon X5560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.

FeatureAtom x5-E8000Xeon X5560
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Braswell)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation