FX-9590 vs Xeon E5-1660 v2

FX-9590 vs Xeon E5-1660 v2 Performance Spectrum

FX-9590

8 / 8

10,194

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

Xeon E5-1660 v2

6 / 12

10,332

+1.4%

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 E5-1660 v2 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 E5-1660 v2: 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: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,194 vs 10,332).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1660 v2, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Xeon E5-1660 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌69.2% higher power demand at 220W vs 130W.

Xeon E5-1660 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 130W instead of 220W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1660 v2 better than FX-9590?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1660 v2 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-1660 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon E5-1660 v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-1660 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $350 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. FX-9590 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (29.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E5-1660 v2 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

FX-9590 vs Xeon E5-1660 v2 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 E5-1660 v2

The Xeon E5-1660 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,332 points. Launch price was $1,809.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-9590 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-1660 v2 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the FX-9590 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the FX-9590 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E5-1660 v2 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the FX-9590 (base: 4.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The FX-9590 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-1660 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-9590 scores 10,194 against the Xeon E5-1660 v2's 10,332 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon E5-1660 v2.

Feature	FX-9590	Xeon E5-1660 v2
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	5 GHz+25%	4 GHz
Base Clock	4.7 GHz+27%	3.7 GHz
L3 Cache	—	15 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8192 kB+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Vishera (2012−2015)	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark	10,194	10,332+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-9590 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-1660 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.