Phenom II X4 840 vs Xeon E5606

AMD

Phenom II X4 840

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5606

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 0.13 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Phenom II X4 840 vs Xeon E5606 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 840 vs Xeon E5606 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 840 vs Xeon E5606: 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 840

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • 18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Xeon E5606

2011

Why buy it

  • Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X4 840 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,443 vs 2,449).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 840 better than Xeon E5606?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5606 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X4 840 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 840 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X4 840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Phenom II X4 840 vs Xeon E5606 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Phenom II X4 840

The Phenom II X4 840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. 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: 2,449 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Xeon E5606

The Xeon E5606 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,443 points. Launch price was $46.

Processing Power

Both the Phenom II X4 840 and Xeon E5606 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840 versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5606 — a 184.4% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 840 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Phenom II X4 840 uses the Propus (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5606 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 840 scores 2,449 against the Xeon E5606's 2,443 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X4 840. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Phenom II X4 840 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5606.

FeaturePhenom II X4 840Xeon E5606
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+2362%
0.13 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+50%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Propus (2009−2011)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
2,449
2,443
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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 840 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5606 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePhenom II X4 840Xeon E5606
Socket
AM3
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0