A6-9400 vs Xeon L3426

AMD

A6-9400

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L3426

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009
Similar parts
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A6-9400 vs Xeon L3426 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.

A6-9400 vs Xeon L3426: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-9400

2019

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon R5, while Xeon L3426 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3426 across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,717 vs 2,742).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3426, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Xeon L3426

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 34 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while A6-9400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3426 better than A6-9400?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3426 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A6-9400 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon L3426 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L3426 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon L3426 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L3426 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-9400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9400 vs Xeon L3426 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-9400

The A6-9400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,717 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Xeon L3426

The Xeon L3426 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,742 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The A6-9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon L3426 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L3426 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the A6-9400 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon L3426 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the A6-9400 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The A6-9400 is built on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the A6-9400 scores 2,717 against the Xeon L3426's 2,742 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon L3426.

FeatureA6-9400Xeon L3426
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+16%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+83%
1.86 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (total)
Process
28 nm-38%
45 nm
Architecture
Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark
2,717
2,742
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Memory & Platform

The A6-9400 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3426 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA6-9400Xeon L3426
Socket
AM4
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
8
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Advanced Features

The A6-9400 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon R5), while the Xeon L3426 requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureA6-9400Xeon L3426
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R5