Phenom II X4 B95 vs Xeon E5606

AMD

Phenom II X4 B95

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3 GHz2009
VS
Intel

Xeon E5606

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 0.13 GHz2011

Phenom II X4 B95 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 B95 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 B95 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 B95

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Lower PassMark (2,427 vs 2,443).
    • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
    • ❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

    Xeon E5606

    2011

    Why buy it

    • βœ…+0.7% higher PassMark.
    • βœ…+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
    • βœ…Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

    Trade-offs

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

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon E5606 better than Phenom II X4 B95?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5606 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X4 B95 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 E5606 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon E5606 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5606 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Xeon E5606 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and 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 B95 vs Xeon E5606 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 B95

    The Phenom II X4 B95 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,427 points. Launch price was $80.

    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 (2010βˆ’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 B95 and Xeon E5606 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B95 versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5606 β€” a 183.4% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 B95 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Phenom II X4 B95 uses the Deneb (2009βˆ’2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5606 uses Westmere-EP (2010βˆ’2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 B95 scores 2,427 against the Xeon E5606's 2,443 β€” a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5606. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B95 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5606.

    FeaturePhenom II X4 B95Xeon E5606
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3 GHz+2208%
    0.13 GHz
    Base Clock
    3 GHz+41%
    2.13 GHz
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)
    8 MB (total)+33%
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    45 nm
    32 nm-29%
    Architecture
    Deneb (2009βˆ’2011)
    Westmere-EP (2010βˆ’2011)
    PassMark
    2,427
    2,443
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Phenom II X4 B95 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5606 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePhenom II X4 B95Xeon E5606
    Socket
    AM3
    LGA1366
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0