Phenom II X4 N970 vs Xeon E5504

Phenom II X4 N970 vs Xeon E5504 Performance Spectrum

Phenom II X4 N970

4 / 4

1,647

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5504

4 / 4

1,652

+0.3%

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 N970 vs Xeon E5504 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 N970 vs Xeon E5504: 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 N970

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 80W, a 78W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,647 vs 1,652).

Xeon E5504

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌3900% higher power demand at 80W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 N970 better than Xeon E5504?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5504 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X4 N970 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 E5504 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Phenom II X4 N970 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 N970 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Phenom II X4 N970 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Phenom II X4 N970 vs Xeon E5504 Technical Specifications

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

Phenom II X4 N970

The Phenom II X4 N970 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5504

The Xeon E5504 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,652 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

Both the Phenom II X4 N970 and Xeon E5504 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 N970 versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5504 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 N970. The Phenom II X4 N970 uses the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5504 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 N970 scores 1,647 against the Xeon E5504's 1,652 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5504.

Feature	Phenom II X4 N970	Xeon E5504
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+10%	2 GHz
Base Clock	—	2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Champlain (2010−2011)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,647	1,652

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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X4 N970 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5504 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.