Phenom II X4 820 vs Xeon X3330

AMD

Phenom II X4 820

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
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VS
Intel

Xeon X3330

95 WW2008
Similar parts
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Phenom II X4 820 vs Xeon X3330 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 X4 820 vs Xeon X3330 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 X4 820 vs Xeon X3330: 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 X4 820

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3330 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $150 MSRP, while Xeon X3330 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X3330

2008

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,102 vs 2,114).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 820 better than Xeon X3330?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3330 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X4 820 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 X4 820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 820 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X4 820 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $150 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X3330 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X4 820 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Phenom II X4 820 vs Xeon X3330 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Phenom II X4 820

The Phenom II X4 820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,114 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Xeon X3330

The Xeon X3330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,102 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Phenom II X4 820 is built on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 820 scores 2,114 against the Xeon X3330's 2,102 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom II X4 820. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 820 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3330.

FeaturePhenom II X4 820Xeon X3330
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+5%
2.66 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
6 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,114
2,102
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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 820 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3330 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePhenom II X4 820Xeon X3330
Socket
AM3
LGA775
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0