FX-8140 vs Xeon D-1520

AMD

FX-8140

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2012
VS
Intel

Xeon D-1520

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2015

FX-8140 vs Xeon D-1520 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-8140 vs Xeon D-1520 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-8140 vs Xeon D-1520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

FX-8140

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…+433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (4,860 vs 4,917).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Xeon D-1520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1520

2015

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1.2% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1520 better than FX-8140?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-8140 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 D-1520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon D-1520 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon D-1520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. FX-8140 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?
Xeon D-1520 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

FX-8140 vs Xeon D-1520 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

FX-8140

The FX-8140 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,860 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon D-1520

The Xeon D-1520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015βˆ’2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,917 points. Launch price was $199.

⚑

Processing Power

The FX-8140 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads β€” the FX-8140 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon D-1520 β€” a 44.8% clock advantage for the FX-8140 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The FX-8140 uses the Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon D-1520 uses Broadwell (2015βˆ’2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8140 scores 4,860 against the Xeon D-1520's 4,917 β€” a 1.2% lead for the Xeon D-1520. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140 vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1520.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon D-1520
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+58%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+45%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)+433%
1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache
8 MB
256K (per core)+3100%
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012)
Broadwell (2015βˆ’2019)
PassMark
4,860
4,917+1%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8140 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon D-1520 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon D-1520
Socket
AM3+
FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%