CPU
GPU
Xeon W5590
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 W5590 is positioned at rank 678 and the Xeon X3480 is on rank 981, so the Xeon W5590 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W5590
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W5590 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($48) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W5590 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+61%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 W5590 and Xeon X3480
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 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
Both the Xeon W5590 and Xeon X3480 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W5590 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Xeon W5590 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W5590 scores 3,342 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W5590. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon W5590 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.73 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz+9% | 3.06 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 | 3,327 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W5590 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 W5590 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W5590 launched at $202 MSRP, while the Xeon X3480 debuted at $612. At current prices ($30 vs $48), the Xeon W5590 is $18 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W5590 delivers 111.4 pts/$ vs 69.3 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon W5590 the 46.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W5590 | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $202-67% | $612 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-38% | $48 |
| Performance per Dollar | 111.4+61% | 69.3 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2010 |
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