Xeon L5506 vs Xeon L5638

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 L5506 vs Xeon L5638 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 L5506 vs Xeon L5638: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon L5506

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5638 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,706 vs 3,707).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon L5638

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5638 better than Xeon L5506?

Yes. Xeon L5638 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon L5638 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.3% 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 L5638 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon L5638 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L5638 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon L5638 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009), 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon L5506 vs Xeon L5638 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon L5506

The Xeon L5506 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,706 points. Launch price was $125.

Xeon L5638

The Xeon L5638 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 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 3,707 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Xeon L5506 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5638 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5638 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.13 GHz on the Xeon L5506 versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon L5638 — a 179.4% clock advantage for the Xeon L5638 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon L5506 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon L5638 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon L5506 scores 3,706 against the Xeon L5638's 3,707 — a 0% lead for the Xeon L5638. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Xeon L5506 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5638.

Feature	Xeon L5506	Xeon L5638
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	0.13 GHz	2.4 GHz+1746%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz+6%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Gainestown (2009−2010)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	3,706	3,707