FX-9590 vs Xeon D-1540

FX-9590 vs Xeon D-1540 Performance Spectrum

FX-9590

8 / 8

10,194

+1.6%

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

Xeon D-1540

8 / 16

10,037

0.0%

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-9590 vs Xeon D-1540 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-9590 vs Xeon D-1540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

FX-9590

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1540, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Xeon D-1540 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌388.9% higher power demand at 220W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1540

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 220W, a 175W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,037 vs 10,194).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9590 better than Xeon D-1540?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1540 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-9590 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-9590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.0% 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-9590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

FX-9590 is the better buy right now. FX-9590 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $350 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (29.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon D-1540 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

FX-9590 vs Xeon D-1540 Technical Specifications

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

FX-9590

The FX-9590 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,194 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon D-1540

The Xeon D-1540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 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: 10,037 points. Launch price was $581.

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Processing Power

The FX-9590 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon D-1540's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the FX-9590 versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon D-1540 — a 63.2% clock advantage for the FX-9590 (base: 4.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The FX-9590 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon D-1540 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-9590 scores 10,194 against the Xeon D-1540's 10,037 — a 1.6% lead for the FX-9590.

Feature	FX-9590	Xeon D-1540
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	5 GHz+92%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	4.7 GHz+135%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	8192 kB+3100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Vishera (2012−2015)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	10,194+2%	10,037

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Memory & Platform

The FX-9590 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon D-1540 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.