Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon L5640

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon L5640 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 / 16

22,430

+381.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Xeon L5640

6 / 12

4,659

0.0%

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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon L5640 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon L5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +152.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $667 less on MSRP ($329 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1357.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon L5640

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,659 vs 22,430).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($996 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Xeon L5640?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 152.9% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 381.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in $667 cheaper on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $996 MSRP, and it still gives you a 152.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1357.5% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon L5640 Technical Specifications

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

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Xeon L5640

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen 7 3700X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon L5640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 131.2% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon L5640
Cores / Threads	8 / 16+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+57%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+59%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB+167%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-78%	32 nm
Architecture	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	22,430+381%	4,659

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon L5640 — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon L5640 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 125% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 3 (Xeon L5640). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) vs 0 (Xeon L5640) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X) and Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon L5640).

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon L5640
Socket	AM4	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+140%	DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	288 GB+125%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X) / true (Xeon L5640). Primary use case: Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon L5640
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true
Target Use	—	Server Low Power

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 7 3700X was priced at $329, while the Xeon L5640 came in at $996. On launch pricing ($329 vs $996), Ryzen 7 3700X was $667 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers 68.2 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon L5640 — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 174.3% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 7 3700X	Xeon L5640
MSRP	$329-67%	$996
Performance per Dollar	68.2+1351%	4.7
Release Date	2019	2010

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