Xeon W5580 vs Xeon X5698

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 W5580 vs Xeon X5698 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 W5580 vs Xeon X5698: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon W5580

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5698

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,447 vs 3,459).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5580 better than Xeon X5698?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon X5698 is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5580 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Xeon X5698 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W5580 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon W5580 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark.

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

Xeon X5698 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon W5580 vs Xeon X5698 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon W5580

The Xeon W5580 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 3,459 points. Launch price was $102.

Xeon X5698

The Xeon X5698 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: 3,447 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon W5580 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5698 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon W5580 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W5580 versus 4.4 GHz on the Xeon X5698 — a 23.9% clock advantage for the Xeon X5698 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Xeon W5580 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5698 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W5580 scores 3,459 against the Xeon X5698's 3,447 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon W5580. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5580 vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5698.

Feature	Xeon W5580	Xeon X5698
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz	4.4 GHz+27%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	4.4 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12288 kB (total)+50%
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	3,459	3,447

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Xeon W5580	Xeon X5698
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 W5580) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5698). Primary use case: Xeon X5698 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5698 rivals Core i7-980X.