FX-8140 vs Xeon E5645

AMD

FX-8140

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5645

6 Cores12 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.67 GHz2010
Similar parts
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FX-8140 vs Xeon E5645 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 E5645 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 E5645: 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

  • Costs $69 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Delivers 28.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.6 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,860 vs 4,942).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5645, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • 18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Xeon E5645

2010

Why buy it

  • +1.7% higher PassMark.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 21.6 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8140 better than Xeon E5645?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5645 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 E5645 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8140 is the better buy right now. FX-8140 comes in $69 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5645 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.7% better PassMark. It is also 28.5% better value on MSRP (21.6 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-8140 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

FX-8140 vs Xeon E5645 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 (2011−2012) 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 E5645

The Xeon E5645 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,942 points. Launch price was $294.

Processing Power

The FX-8140 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5645 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the FX-8140 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon E5645 — a 42.2% clock advantage for the FX-8140 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The FX-8140 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5645 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8140 scores 4,860 against the Xeon E5645's 4,942 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon E5645. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E5645.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon E5645
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+54%
2.67 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+33%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
8 MB+3100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Zambezi (2011−2012)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
4,860
4,942+2%
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Memory & Platform

The FX-8140 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5645 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon E5645
Socket
AM3+
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
288 GB
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (FX-8140) / VT-x (Xeon E5645). Primary use case: Xeon E5645 targets Server.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon E5645
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Server
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Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-8140 was priced at $225, while the Xeon E5645 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($225 vs $294), FX-8140 was $69 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8140 delivers 21.6 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5645 — making the FX-8140 the 24.9% better value option.

FeatureFX-8140Xeon E5645
MSRP
$225-23%
$294
Performance per Dollar
21.6+29%
16.8
Release Date
2012
2010

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