Phenom II X6 1045T vs Xeon X5560

AMD

Phenom II X6 1045T

6 Cores6 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5560

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Phenom II X6 1045T vs Xeon X5560 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 X6 1045T vs Xeon X5560 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 X6 1045T vs Xeon X5560: 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 X6 1045T

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5560, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,231 vs 3,244).

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X6 1045T better than Xeon X5560?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X6 1045T 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 X6 1045T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X6 1045T still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X6 1045T comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X6 1045T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Phenom II X6 1045T vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Phenom II X6 1045T

The Phenom II X6 1045T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 3,244 points. Launch price was $175.

Intel

Xeon X5560

The Xeon X5560 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.

Processing Power

The Phenom II X6 1045T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon X5560 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Phenom II X6 1045T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1045T versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Phenom II X6 1045T uses the Thuban (2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X6 1045T scores 3,244 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X6 1045T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X6 1045T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.

FeaturePhenom II X6 1045TXeon X5560
Cores / Threads
6 / 6+50%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Thuban (2010)
Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark
3,244
3,231
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X6 1045T uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5560 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePhenom II X6 1045TXeon X5560
Socket
AM3
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Phenom II X6 1045T) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). Primary use case: Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.

FeaturePhenom II X6 1045TXeon X5560
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation