Xeon W5590 vs Xeon X3480

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 X3480 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 X3480: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $410 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $612 MSRP).
✅Delivers 204.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.5 vs 5.4 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $612 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Xeon X3480

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,327 vs 3,342).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.4 vs 16.5 PassMark/$ ($612 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3480 better than Xeon W5590?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon X3480 is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5590 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon X3480 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon W5590 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon X3480 comes in 203.0% more expensive on MSRP at $612 MSRP versus $202 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W5590 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. Xeon W5590 is also 204.3% better value on MSRP (16.5 vs 5.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon X3480 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon W5590 vs Xeon X3480 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 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.

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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

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon W5590 was priced at $202, while the Xeon X3480 came in at $612. On launch pricing ($202 vs $612), Xeon W5590 was $410 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W5590 delivers 16.5 pts/$ vs 5.4 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon W5590 the 101.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon W5590	Xeon X3480
MSRP	$202-67%	$612
Performance per Dollar	16.5+206%	5.4
Release Date	2009	2010

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