Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs Xeon W5580

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs Xeon W5580 Performance Spectrum

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition

4 / 4

3,489

+0.9%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon W5580

4 / 8

3,459

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.

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs Xeon W5580 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.

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs Xeon W5580: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 125W instead of 130W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5580 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W5580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,459 vs 3,489).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition better than Xeon W5580?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition 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, Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark.

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

Xeon W5580 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs Xeon W5580 Technical Specifications

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

Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition

The Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,489 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon W5580

The Xeon W5580 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 3,459 points. Launch price was $102.

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Processing Power

The Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W5580's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W5580 — a 53.5% clock advantage for the Xeon W5580. The Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition uses the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon W5580 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition scores 3,489 against the Xeon W5580's 3,459 — a 0.9% lead for the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5580.

Feature	Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition	Xeon W5580
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3.46 GHz+73%
Base Clock	—	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Deneb (2009−2011)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,489	3,459

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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II 42 TWKR Black Edition uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W5580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.