Opteron X3418 vs Xeon X5550

AMD

Opteron X3418

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5550

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.06 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Opteron X3418 vs Xeon X5550 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.

Opteron X3418 vs Xeon X5550 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.

Opteron X3418 vs Xeon X5550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron X3418

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5550 across 40 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Xeon X5550

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.2% higher average FPS across 40 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,036 vs 3,043).
  • 533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron X3418 better than Xeon X5550?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon X5550 is ahead with a 7.2% average FPS lead across 40 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Opteron X3418 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Opteron X3418 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron X3418 still makes the most sense overall. Opteron X3418 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Opteron X3418 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Opteron X3418 vs Xeon X5550 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron X3418

The Opteron X3418 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,043 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Xeon X5550

The Xeon X5550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,036 points. Launch price was $62.

Processing Power

The Opteron X3418 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5550's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Opteron X3418 versus 3.06 GHz on the Xeon X5550 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Opteron X3418 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Opteron X3418 uses the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon X5550 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron X3418 scores 3,043 against the Xeon X5550's 3,036 — a 0.2% lead for the Opteron X3418.

FeatureOpteron X3418Xeon X5550
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+5%
3.06 GHz
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2.66 GHz+48%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (total)+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-38%
45 nm
Architecture
Excavator (2017−2018)
Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark
3,043
3,036
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Memory & Platform

The Opteron X3418 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5550 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron X3418Xeon X5550
Socket
FP4
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Opteron X3418) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5550). Primary use case: Xeon X5550 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5550 rivals Core i3-2100.

FeatureOpteron X3418Xeon X5550
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation