CPU Comparison

Intel Xeon E5540 and AMD A10-6800K occupy opposite ends of the computing spectrum, yet their average benchmark scores land within 1.3% of each other. The Xeon E5540, a 2009 server part built on 45 nm Nehalem, averages 820 points across its benchmark suite, while the 2013 desktop-focused A10-6800K, built on 32 nm Piledriver, averages 809 points. Both processors sit at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating they are entry-level performers by modern standards, but their architectural philosophies diverge sharply: the Xeon prioritizes multi-threaded throughput with 8 threads, while the A10-6800K leans on high clock speeds and an integrated GPU.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark data is not available for these two processors, so comparisons must rely on their respective benchmark suites and average scores. The Intel Xeon E5540 delivers a multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 2384, while its single-core result is 336. In Cinebench R20, the Xeon scores 1001 multi-core and 141 single-core, and in Cinebench R15 it posts 240 multi-core. These results paint a picture of a chip that scales well with thread count, which is expected given its 4 cores and 8 threads.

The AMD A10-6800K, by contrast, has only Geekbench results in the data: 1140 multi-core and 478 single-core. The single-core advantage is stark, the A10-6800K's 478 Geekbench single-core score is roughly 42% higher than the Xeon's 336 Cinebench R23 single-core score, though these are different tests and not directly comparable. What can be said is that the A10-6800K's 4.10 GHz base and 4.40 GHz boost clocks, combined with its unlocked multiplier, give it a clear edge in lightly-threaded workloads where raw clock speed dominates.

The Xeon E5540 counters with its threading advantage. Its 8 threads allow it to maintain competitive multi-threaded performance despite a much lower 2.53 GHz base clock. The average benchmark scores reflect this: the Xeon's 820 average edges out the A10-6800K's 809 by 1.4%. Looking at nearest rivals, the Xeon E5540 is essentially tied with the AMD PRO A10-8750B (821 average, -0.1% delta) and sits 0.5% above the Intel Core i5-L16G7 (816 average). The A10-6800K matches the Intel Core i7-870S exactly (809 average, 0% delta) and trails the Intel Core i7-5550U by 0.5% (813 average).

For the Xeon E5540, its best showing comes in multi-threaded productivity tasks where its 8 threads and 8 MB of shared L3 cache provide the necessary resources. The A10-6800K, with only 4 threads and 4 MB of L2 cache (no L3), relies on its clock speed advantage and integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics to differentiate itself. The data shows that in single-threaded performance, the A10-6800K is the clear winner, while in multi-threaded scenarios, the Xeon E5540 holds a slight overall edge.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E5540 averages 820 points across its benchmarks, while the AMD A10-6800K averages 809 points. This gives the Xeon a 1.4% advantage in overall average score, though both occupy the 22nd percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Does the AMD A10-6800K have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the A10-6800K includes the Radeon HD 8670D integrated GPU. The Intel Xeon E5540 has no integrated graphics at all, which is typical for server/workstation processors.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth capabilities of each processor?

A: The AMD A10-6800K supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Intel Xeon E5540 supports triple-channel DDR3 with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Despite having fewer channels, the A10-6800K achieves higher theoretical bandwidth.

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E5540 has 8 threads (4 cores with Hyper-Threading). The AMD A10-6800K has 4 threads (4 cores, no SMT). This gives the Xeon a 2x thread advantage in multi-threaded workloads.

Q: Is either processor unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD A10-6800K has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable. The Intel Xeon E5540 has a locked multiplier, so it does not support this type of overclocking.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon E5540 supports ECC memory, which is a key feature for server reliability. The AMD A10-6800K does not support ECC memory.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Xeon E5540 is built on the Nehalem architecture with the codename Gainestown, manufactured on a 45 nm process by Intel. It contains 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² die. The architecture uses a per-core cache design with 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, plus 8 MB of shared L3 cache. This is a server-grade design aimed at maximizing multi-threaded throughput and reliability.

The AMD A10-6800K uses the Piledriver architecture with the codename Richland, built on a 32 nm process by GlobalFoundries. It packs 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. The cache hierarchy differs significantly: 192 KB of L1 total, 4 MB of L2 total, and no L3 cache whatsoever. The Piledriver design is a refinement of AMD's Bulldozer family, optimized for desktop performance with high clock speeds and an integrated GPU.

The Xeon E5540's Nehalem architecture introduced an integrated memory controller with triple-channel DDR3 support, which was a significant advancement for its time. The A10-6800K's Piledriver architecture, while supporting dual-channel DDR3, achieves higher memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s vs. 25.6 GB/s) due to higher clock speeds on the memory interface. The Xeon also features a larger, shared L3 cache, which is beneficial for workloads that share data across cores.

The process node difference is substantial: 45 nm for the Xeon versus 32 nm for the AMD. This allowed AMD to pack nearly twice as many transistors (1,303 million vs. 731 million) into a slightly smaller die (246 mm² vs. 263 mm²). The A10-6800K also integrates a GPU on the same die, which the Xeon lacks entirely.

Specification Differences

The core specifications reveal clear divergences. The Intel Xeon E5540 has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.53 GHz and a boost clock of 2.80 GHz. The AMD A10-6800K also has 4 cores but only 4 threads, with a much higher base clock of 4.10 GHz and boost clock of 4.40 GHz. The Xeon's TDP is 80 W, while the A10-6800K consumes 100 W.

The sockets are incompatible: the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1366, while the AMD uses AMD Socket FM2. The Xeon supports triple-channel DDR3 memory with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, whereas the A10-6800K supports dual-channel DDR3 with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory support is exclusive to the Xeon, and only the A10-6800K features integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8670D).

The Xeon E5540 has a locked multiplier, while the A10-6800K is unlocked. The Xeon's market segment is Server/Workstation, while the A10-6800K targets Desktop users. The Xeon was released on 2009-03-29, with the A10-6800K following on 2013-05-31. The Xeon's launch MSRP was $774, while the A10-6800K launched at $142.

Cache configurations differ substantially: the Xeon provides 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, plus 8 MB shared L3. The A10-6800K has 192 KB L1 total, 4 MB L2 total, and no L3. The Xeon has 731 million transistors, while the A10-6800K has 1,303 million. Both support PCIe Gen 2, and both are end-of-life products.

The Verdict

The data supports distinct use cases for each processor. The Intel Xeon E5540 is the better choice for multi-threaded, server-style workloads. Its 8 threads, 8 MB of shared L3 cache, ECC memory support, and triple-channel memory interface make it suitable for applications that benefit from parallel processing and data integrity. The Xeon's 820 average benchmark score, slightly ahead of the A10-6800K's 809, reflects its strength in throughput-oriented tasks.

The AMD A10-6800K is positioned for desktop users who prioritize single-threaded performance and integrated graphics. Its 4.10 GHz base clock and 4.40 GHz boost clock are significantly higher than the Xeon's 2.53/2.80 GHz, which translates to better responsiveness in everyday applications and games that rely on single-core performance. The integrated Radeon HD 8670D eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems, and the unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking headroom.

The average scores place the Xeon E5540 between the AMD PRO A10-8750B (821) and Intel Core i5-L16G7 (816), while the A10-6800K sits alongside the Intel Core i7-870S (809). Both processors are at the 22nd percentile, meaning they are entry-level performers. The Xeon's 1.4% average score advantage is marginal, but its thread count and ECC support give it a functional edge in professional environments.

For users with multi-threaded productivity workloads, server applications, or tasks requiring ECC memory, the Xeon E5540 is the data-supported choice. For desktop users who need integrated graphics, high clock speeds, or overclocking capability, the A10-6800K is the appropriate selection. The Xeon's higher launch MSRP ($774 vs. $142) reflects its server pedigree, but the A10-6800K's lower cost and modern feature set make it a more practical desktop solution. There is no universal winner, the correct pick depends entirely on the workload.