FX-6350 vs Xeon L5640

AMD

FX-6350

6 Cores6 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5640

6 Cores12 Thrd60 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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FX-6350 vs Xeon L5640 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.

FX-6350 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.

FX-6350 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.

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $864 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
  • Delivers 651.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.2 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,640 vs 4,659).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5640, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • 108.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 60W.

Xeon L5640

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Draws 60W instead of 125W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 35.2 PassMark/$ ($996 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5640 better than FX-6350?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-6350 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 3.6% 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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
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 654.5% more expensive on MSRP at $996 MSRP versus $132 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. FX-6350 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 651.5% better value on paper (35.2 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-6350 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.

FX-6350 vs Xeon L5640 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The FX-6350 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Xeon L5640's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 40% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The FX-6350 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6350 scores 4,640 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon L5640.

FeatureFX-6350Xeon L5640
Cores / Threads
6 / 6
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+50%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.9 GHz+73%
2.26 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
6144 kB+2300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Vishera (2012−2015)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
4,640
4,659
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-6350 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureFX-6350Xeon L5640
Socket
AM3+
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM Capacity
288 GB
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (FX-6350) / true (Xeon L5640). Primary use case: Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power.

FeatureFX-6350Xeon L5640
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
Target Use
Server Low Power
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-6350 was priced at $132, while the Xeon L5640 came in at $996. On launch pricing ($132 vs $996), FX-6350 was $864 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6350 delivers 35.2 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon L5640 — making the FX-6350 the 153% better value option.

FeatureFX-6350Xeon L5640
MSRP
$132-87%
$996
Performance per Dollar
35.2+649%
4.7
Release Date
2013
2010

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