CPU
GPU
Xeon L5609
Xeon X3480
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon L5609 is positioned at rank 735 and the Xeon X3480 is on rank 981, so the Xeon L5609 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon L5609
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon L5609 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($229) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon L5609 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+381%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($229) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon L5609 and Xeon X3480
Xeon L5609
The Xeon L5609 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 40 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,298 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.
Processing Power
The Xeon L5609 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X3480's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.86 GHz on the Xeon L5609 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 66.9% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Xeon L5609 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon L5609 scores 3,298 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon X3480. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5609 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.
| Feature | Xeon L5609 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 1.86 GHz | 3.73 GHz+101% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 3.06 GHz+65% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+50% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,298 | 3,327 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon L5609 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3480 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon L5609 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon L5609 launched at $229 MSRP, while the Xeon X3480 debuted at $612. At current prices ($229 vs $48), the Xeon X3480 is $181 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon L5609 delivers 14.4 pts/$ vs 69.3 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon X3480 the 131.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon L5609 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $229-63% | $612 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $229 | $48-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.4 | 69.3+381% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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