Xeon W3680 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 W3680 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 W3680 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 W3680

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,025 vs 7,031).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $344 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
✅Delivers 137.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5690 better than Xeon W3680?

Yes. Xeon X5690 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 X5690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 0.1% 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 $344 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $594 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 137.8% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 X5690 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon W3680 vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon W3680

The Xeon W3680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (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: 7,025 points. Launch price was $350.

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

Both the Xeon W3680 and Xeon X5690 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3680 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5690 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Xeon W3680 uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W3680 scores 7,025 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X5690. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3680 vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Xeon W3680	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.73 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz	3.46 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12288 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,025	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Xeon W3680	Xeon X5690
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon W3680) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Xeon W3680	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 W3680 was priced at $594, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($594 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $344 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W3680 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Xeon X5690 the 81.6% better value option.

Feature	Xeon W3680	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$594	$250-58%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	28.1+138%
Release Date	2010	2011

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