Xeon L5630 vs Xeon W3540

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 L5630 vs Xeon W3540 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 L5630 vs Xeon W3540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon L5630

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 40W instead of 130W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,048 vs 3,075).

Xeon W3540

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Xeon L5630 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌225% higher power demand at 130W vs 40W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3540 better than Xeon L5630?

Yes. Xeon W3540 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 15 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W3540 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 15 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W3540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W3540 is the better buy right now. Xeon W3540 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 15 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon L5630 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon L5630 vs Xeon W3540 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon L5630

The Xeon L5630 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 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): 40 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,048 points. Launch price was $1,100.

Xeon W3540

The Xeon W3540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 3,075 points. Launch price was $699.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon L5630 and Xeon W3540 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Xeon L5630 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon W3540 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon W3540 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Xeon L5630 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W3540 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon L5630 scores 3,048 against the Xeon W3540's 3,075 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon W3540. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5630 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3540.

Feature	Xeon L5630	Xeon W3540
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.93 GHz+38%
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)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,048	3,075