FX-8350 vs Xeon X5660

FX-8350 vs Xeon X5660 Performance Spectrum

FX-8350

8 / 8

5,936

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Xeon X5660

6 / 12

5,979

+0.7%

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-8350 vs Xeon X5660 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-8350 vs Xeon X5660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

FX-8350

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,020 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,219 MSRP).
✅Delivers 508.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.8 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,219 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,936 vs 5,979).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5660, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌31.6% higher power demand at 125W vs 95W.

Xeon X5660

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 95W instead of 125W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8350 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 29.8 PassMark/$ ($1,219 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8350 better than Xeon X5660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-8350 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 X5660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

FX-8350 is the better buy right now. FX-8350 comes in $1,020 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $1,219 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5660 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 508.2% better value on MSRP (29.8 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), 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-8350 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-8350 vs Xeon X5660 Technical Specifications

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

FX-8350

The FX-8350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,936 points. Launch price was $199.

Xeon X5660

The Xeon X5660 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,979 points. Launch price was $33.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-8350 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5660 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the FX-8350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-8350 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5660 — a 27% clock advantage for the FX-8350 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The FX-8350 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5660 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8350 scores 5,936 against the Xeon X5660's 5,979 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X5660.

Feature	FX-8350	Xeon X5660
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+31%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+43%	2.8 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	5,936	5,979

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8350 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5660 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	FX-8350	Xeon X5660
Socket	AM3+	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (FX-8350) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5660). Primary use case: Xeon X5660 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5660 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	FX-8350	Xeon X5660
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-8350 was priced at $199, while the Xeon X5660 came in at $1219. On launch pricing ($199 vs $1219), FX-8350 was $1020 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8350 delivers 29.8 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X5660 — making the FX-8350 the 143.5% better value option.

Feature	FX-8350	Xeon X5660
MSRP	$199-84%	$1219
Performance per Dollar	29.8+508%	4.9
Release Date	2012	2010

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