Core i3-4130 vs Xeon W5590

Intel

Core i3-4130

2 Cores4 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2013
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon W5590

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······

Core i3-4130 vs Xeon W5590 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.

Core i3-4130 vs Xeon W5590 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.

Core i3-4130 vs Xeon W5590: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4130

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $85 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).
  • Delivers 72.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.5 vs 16.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).
  • Draws 54W instead of 130W, a 76W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Xeon W5590 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,334 vs 3,342).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5590, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W5590

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.5 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • 140.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 54W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4130 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5590 better than Core i3-4130?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5590 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4130 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 W5590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.0% 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 W5590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W5590 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W5590 comes in 72.6% more expensive on MSRP at $202 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4130 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 72.2% better value on paper (28.5 vs 16.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-4130 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4130 vs Xeon W5590 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-4130

The Core i3-4130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,334 points. Launch price was $120.

Intel

Xeon W5590

The Xeon W5590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,342 points. Launch price was $270.

Processing Power

The Core i3-4130 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W5590 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W5590 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-4130 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W5590 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i3-4130 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W5590 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4130 scores 3,334 against the Xeon W5590's 3,342 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon W5590. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5590.

FeatureCore i3-4130Xeon W5590
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+2%
3.33 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark
3,334
3,342
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,036
Geekbench 6 Single
1,046
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4130 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W5590 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-4130Xeon W5590
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-4130) / not specified (Xeon W5590). The Core i3-4130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon W5590 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130 rivals FX-4130.

FeatureCore i3-4130Xeon W5590
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4400
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4130 was priced at $117, while the Xeon W5590 came in at $202. On launch pricing ($117 vs $202), Core i3-4130 was $85 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4130 delivers 28.5 pts/$ vs 16.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W5590 — making the Core i3-4130 the 53.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-4130Xeon W5590
MSRP
$117-42%
$202
Performance per Dollar
28.5+73%
16.5
Release Date
2013
2009

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.