Phenom II X2 B55 vs Xeon 5140

AMD

Phenom II X2 B55

2 Cores2 Thrd80 WWMax: 3 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Xeon 5140

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.33 GHz2006

Phenom II X2 B55 vs Xeon 5140 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.

Phenom II X2 B55 vs Xeon 5140 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 X2 B55 vs Xeon 5140: 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 X2 B55

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Lower PassMark (1,222 vs 1,235).
    • ❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

    Xeon 5140

    2006

    Why buy it

    • βœ…+1.1% higher PassMark.
    • βœ…Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon 5140 better than Phenom II X2 B55?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5140 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X2 B55 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 5140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon 5140 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon 5140 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Phenom II X2 B55 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Phenom II X2 B55 vs Xeon 5140 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Phenom II X2 B55

    The Phenom II X2 B55 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Callisto (2009βˆ’2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,222 points. Launch price was $48.

    Intel

    Xeon 5140

    The Xeon 5140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $15.

    ⚑

    Processing Power

    Both the Phenom II X2 B55 and Xeon 5140 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Phenom II X2 B55 versus 2.33 GHz on the Xeon 5140 β€” a 25.1% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 B55 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The Phenom II X2 B55 uses the Callisto (2009βˆ’2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon 5140 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X2 B55 scores 1,222 against the Xeon 5140's 1,235 β€” a 1.1% lead for the Xeon 5140. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X2 B55 vs 0 kB on the Xeon 5140.

    FeaturePhenom II X2 B55Xeon 5140
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    3 GHz+29%
    2.33 GHz
    Base Clock
    3 GHz+29%
    2.33 GHz
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)
    4 MB+700%
    Process
    45 nm-31%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Callisto (2009βˆ’2010)
    Woodcrest (2006)
    PassMark
    1,222
    1,235+1%
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Phenom II X2 B55 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon 5140 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePhenom II X2 B55Xeon 5140
    Socket
    AM3
    LGA771
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0