PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon W5590

PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon W5590 Performance Spectrum

PRO A8-9600

4 / 4

3,318

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon W5590

4 / 8

3,342

+0.7%

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.

PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon W5590 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.

PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon W5590: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

PRO A8-9600

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,318 vs 3,342).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5590, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W5590

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $202 MSRP, while PRO A8-9600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5590 better than PRO A8-9600?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5590 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while PRO A8-9600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W5590 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.9% 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, Xeon W5590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W5590 is the better buy right now. Xeon W5590 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $202 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

PRO A8-9600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

PRO A8-9600 vs Xeon W5590 Technical Specifications

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

PRO A8-9600

The PRO A8-9600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 3 October 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,318 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon W5590

The Xeon W5590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,342 points. Launch price was $270.

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Processing Power

The PRO A8-9600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W5590's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the PRO A8-9600 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W5590 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The PRO A8-9600 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon W5590 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the PRO A8-9600 scores 3,318 against the Xeon W5590's 3,342 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon W5590.

Feature	PRO A8-9600	Xeon W5590
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	—	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2048 kB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,318	3,342

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Memory & Platform

The PRO A8-9600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W5590 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.