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 i5-4430 vs Xeon L5640 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 i5-4430 vs Xeon L5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4430

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $814 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅Delivers 446.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.6 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon L5640 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon L5640.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,653 vs 4,659).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5640, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌40% higher power demand at 84W vs 60W.

Xeon L5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 60W instead of 84W, a 24W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($996 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4430 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5640 better than Core i5-4430?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4430 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 L5640 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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 L5640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon L5640 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L5640 comes in 447.3% more expensive on MSRP at $996 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4430 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 446.5% better value on paper (25.6 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4430 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4430 vs Xeon L5640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4430

The Core i5-4430 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,653 points. Launch price was $182.

Xeon L5640

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4430 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4430 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i5-4430 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4430 scores 4,653 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon L5640. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4430 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Xeon L5640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+14%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+33%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,653	4,659
Geekbench 6 Single	1,015	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4430 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4430 versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon L5640 — the Core i5-4430 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon L5640 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4430) vs 3 (Xeon L5640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4430) vs 0 (Xeon L5640) — the Core i5-4430 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4430) and Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon L5640).

Feature	Core i5-4430	Xeon L5640
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	288 GB+800%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4430) vs true (Xeon L5640). The Core i5-4430 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon L5640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430 targets Desktop, Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Xeon L5640
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	true
Target Use	Desktop	Server Low Power

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4430 was priced at $182, while the Xeon L5640 came in at $996. On launch pricing ($182 vs $996), Core i5-4430 was $814 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4430 delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon L5640 — making the Core i5-4430 the 138.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Xeon L5640
MSRP	$182-82%	$996
Performance per Dollar	25.6+445%	4.7
Release Date	2013	2010

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