Xeon E5-4640 vs Xeon X5690

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.

Xeon E5-4640 vs Xeon X5690 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.

Xeon E5-4640 vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-4640

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,012 vs 7,031).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.6 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($2,725 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $2,475 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $2,725 MSRP).
✅Delivers 993.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 2.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $2,725 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5690 better than Xeon E5-4640?

Yes. Xeon X5690 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 X5690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon X5690 is the better buy right now. Xeon X5690 comes in $2,475 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $2,725 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 993.0% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 2.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-4640 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-4640 vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-4640

The Xeon E5-4640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,012 points. Launch price was $2,730.

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-4640 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5690 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Xeon E5-4640 uses the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4640 scores 7,012 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X5690. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4640 vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Xeon E5-4640	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	8 / 16+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	3.73 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.46 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	20480 kB (total)+67%	12288 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,012	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-4640 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon X5690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E5-4640	Xeon X5690
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+150%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-4640) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Xeon E5-4640	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-4640 was priced at $2725, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($2725 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $2475 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-4640 delivers 2.6 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Xeon X5690 the 166.5% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-4640	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$2725	$250-91%
Performance per Dollar	2.6	28.1+981%
Release Date	2012	2011

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