Phenom II X3 P840 vs Xeon L5639

AMD

Phenom II X3 P840

3 Cores3 Thrd1.5 WWMax: 1.9 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5639

6 Cores12 Thrd60 WWMax: 2.67 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Phenom II X3 P840 vs Xeon L5639 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 X3 P840 vs Xeon L5639 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 X3 P840 vs Xeon L5639: 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 X3 P840

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 2W instead of 60W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5639 across 45 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5639, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon L5639

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.8% higher average FPS across 45 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,419 vs 4,425).
  • 3900% higher power demand at 60W vs 1.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 P840 better than Xeon L5639?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5639 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X3 P840 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 X3 P840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X3 P840 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X3 P840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon L5639 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Phenom II X3 P840 vs Xeon L5639 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Phenom II X3 P840

The Phenom II X3 P840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,425 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon L5639

The Xeon L5639 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.133 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,419 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Phenom II X3 P840 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Xeon L5639 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5639 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Phenom II X3 P840 versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon L5639 — a 33.7% clock advantage for the Xeon L5639. The Phenom II X3 P840 uses the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon L5639 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 P840 scores 4,425 against the Xeon L5639's 4,419 — a 0.1% lead for the Phenom II X3 P840.

FeaturePhenom II X3 P840Xeon L5639
Cores / Threads
3 / 3
6 / 12+100%
Boost Clock
1.9 GHz
2.67 GHz+41%
Base Clock
2.133 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.5 MB+500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Champlain (2010−2011)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
4,425
4,419
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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X3 P840 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5639 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePhenom II X3 P840Xeon L5639
Socket
S1
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%