A4-9120 vs Xeon 5140

AMD

A4-9120

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon 5140

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.33 GHz2006
Similar parts
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A4-9120 vs Xeon 5140 Performance Spectrum

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.

A4-9120 vs Xeon 5140: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-9120

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R3, while Xeon 5140 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,222 vs 1,235).

Xeon 5140

2006

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A4-9120 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-9120 better than Xeon 5140?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5140 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A4-9120 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 5140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A4-9120 still makes the most sense overall. A4-9120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 7.3% higher max boost clock.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A4-9120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A4-9120 vs Xeon 5140 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A4-9120

The A4-9120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,222 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Xeon 5140

The Xeon 5140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,235 points. Launch price was $15.

Processing Power

Both the A4-9120 and Xeon 5140 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A4-9120 versus 2.33 GHz on the Xeon 5140 — a 7% clock advantage for the A4-9120 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The A4-9120 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Xeon 5140 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the A4-9120 scores 1,222 against the Xeon 5140's 1,235 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon 5140.

FeatureA4-9120Xeon 5140
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+7%
2.33 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
2.33 GHz+6%
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
4 MB+300%
Process
28 nm-57%
65 nm
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Woodcrest (2006)
PassMark
1,222
1,235+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
350
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Memory & Platform

The A4-9120 uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon 5140 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA4-9120Xeon 5140
Socket
BGA
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
8
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-9120) / not specified (Xeon 5140). The A4-9120 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R3), while the Xeon 5140 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-9120 targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-9120 rivals Celeron N3350.

FeatureA4-9120Xeon 5140
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R3
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Entry Laptop