Xeon W5590 vs Xeon X3470

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 W5590 vs Xeon X3470 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 W5590 vs Xeon X3470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon W5590

2009

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $387 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
✅Delivers 191.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.5 vs 5.7 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Xeon X3470

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,341 vs 3,342).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.7 vs 16.5 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5590 better than Xeon X3470?

Yes. Xeon W5590 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% 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?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5590 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W5590 is the better buy right now. Xeon W5590 comes in $387 cheaper on MSRP at $202 MSRP versus $589 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 191.7% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 5.7 PassMark/$), 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 W5590 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon W5590 vs Xeon X3470 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon W5590

The Xeon W5590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,342 points. Launch price was $270.

Xeon X3470

The Xeon X3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,341 points. Launch price was $589.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon W5590 and Xeon X3470 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X3470 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Xeon W5590 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X3470 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W5590 scores 3,342 against the Xeon X3470's 3,341 — a 0% lead for the Xeon W5590. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon W5590	Xeon X3470
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+14%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Gainestown (2009−2010)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,342	3,341

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon W5590 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3470 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon W5590	Xeon X3470
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon W5590 was priced at $202, while the Xeon X3470 came in at $589. On launch pricing ($202 vs $589), Xeon W5590 was $387 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W5590 delivers 16.5 pts/$ vs 5.7 pts/$ for the Xeon X3470 — making the Xeon W5590 the 97.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon W5590	Xeon X3470
MSRP	$202-66%	$589
Performance per Dollar	16.5+189%	5.7
Release Date	2009	2009

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