Opteron X3421 vs Xeon W5590

Opteron X3421 vs Xeon W5590 Performance Spectrum

Opteron X3421

4 / 4

3,306

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon W5590

4 / 8

3,342

+1.1%

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 X3421 vs Xeon W5590 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 X3421 vs Xeon W5590: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Opteron X3421

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 130W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,306 vs 3,342).

Xeon W5590

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $202 MSRP, while Opteron X3421 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌766.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5590 better than Opteron X3421?

Yes. Xeon W5590 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W5590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.8% 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, Xeon W5590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W5590 is the better buy right now. Xeon W5590 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $202 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Opteron X3421 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron X3421 vs Xeon W5590 Technical Specifications

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

Opteron X3421

The Opteron X3421 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 3,306 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon W5590

The Xeon W5590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,342 points. Launch price was $270.

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Processing Power

The Opteron X3421 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W5590's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Opteron X3421 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W5590 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Opteron X3421 uses the Excavator (2017−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon W5590 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron X3421 scores 3,306 against the Xeon W5590's 3,342 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon W5590.

Feature	Opteron X3421	Xeon W5590
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+59%
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	3,306	3,342+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Opteron X3421 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W5590 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.