FX-8320E vs Xeon E5645

AMD

FX-8320E

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Xeon E5645

6 Cores12 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.67 GHz2010
Similar parts
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FX-8320E 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-8320E 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-8320E 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-8320E

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $147 less on MSRP ($147 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Delivers 100.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.7 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5645.

Trade-offs

  • 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

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8320E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,942 vs 4,960).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike FX-8320E.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8320E 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-8320E is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8320E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.9% 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, FX-8320E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8320E is the better buy right now. FX-8320E comes in $147 cheaper on MSRP at $147 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.7% better value on MSRP (33.7 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), 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-8320E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

FX-8320E vs Xeon E5645 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

FX-8320E

The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.

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-8320E packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5645 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the FX-8320E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8320E versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon E5645 — a 39.9% clock advantage for the FX-8320E (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The FX-8320E uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5645 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8320E scores 4,960 against the Xeon E5645's 4,942 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-8320E.

FeatureFX-8320EXeon E5645
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4 GHz+50%
2.67 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+33%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
8192 kB+3100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Vishera (2012−2015)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
4,960
4,942
Geekbench 6 Single
439
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,734
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8320E uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5645 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320E versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5645 — the FX-8320E supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5645 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (FX-8320E) vs 3 (Xeon E5645). Both provide 0 PCIe lanes.

FeatureFX-8320EXeon E5645
Socket
AM3+
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866+40%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
288 GB+800%
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
0
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-8320E has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (FX-8320E) vs VT-x (Xeon E5645). Primary use case: Xeon E5645 targets Server.

FeatureFX-8320EXeon E5645
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-8320E was priced at $147, while the Xeon E5645 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($147 vs $294), FX-8320E was $147 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8320E delivers 33.7 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5645 — making the FX-8320E the 67% better value option.

FeatureFX-8320EXeon E5645
MSRP
$147-50%
$294
Performance per Dollar
33.7+101%
16.8
Release Date
2014
2010

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