CPU
GPU
Opteron X3421
Xeon W5590
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Opteron X3421 is positioned at rank 102 and the Xeon W5590 is on rank 678, so the Opteron X3421 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Opteron X3421
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W5590
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Opteron X3421 | Xeon W5590 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Excavator (2017−2018) / 28 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Opteron X3421 | Xeon W5590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Opteron X3421 and Xeon W5590
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.
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% |
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.
| Feature | Opteron X3421 | Xeon W5590 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP4 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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