A8-3500M vs Xeon E3120

A8-3500M vs Xeon E3120 Performance Spectrum

A8-3500M

4 / 4

1,391

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E3120

1,408

+1.2%

Celeron B820

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

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.

A8-3500M vs Xeon E3120 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.

A8-3500M vs Xeon E3120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3500M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6620G, while Xeon E3120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,391 vs 1,408).

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3500M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3120 better than A8-3500M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A8-3500M 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 E3120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E3120 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

A8-3500M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3500M vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3500M

The A8-3500M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,391 points. Launch price was $90.

Xeon E3120

The Xeon E3120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.16 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,408 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The A8-3500M is built on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. In PassMark, the A8-3500M scores 1,391 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E3120. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3500M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

Feature	A8-3500M	Xeon E3120
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	—
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	3.16 GHz+111%
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	—
PassMark	1,391	1,408+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	231	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3500M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3120 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-3500M	Xeon E3120
Socket	FS1	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3500M) / not specified (Xeon E3120). The A8-3500M includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6620G), while the Xeon E3120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3500M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3500M rivals Core i3-2310M.