A9-9420e vs Xeon L3406

A9-9420e vs Xeon L3406 Performance Spectrum

A9-9420e

2 / 2

1,101

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon L3406

1,104

+0.3%

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.

A9-9420e vs Xeon L3406 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.

A9-9420e vs Xeon L3406: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A9-9420e

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 30W, a 29W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R5 Graphics, while Xeon L3406 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,101 vs 1,104).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3406, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $189 MSRP, while A9-9420e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2900% higher power demand at 30W vs 1W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A9-9420e can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3406 better than A9-9420e?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3406 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A9-9420e 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 L3406 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 L3406 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon L3406 is the better buy right now. Xeon L3406 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $189 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A9-9420e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A9-9420e vs Xeon L3406 Technical Specifications

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

A9-9420e

The A9-9420e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 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: 1,101 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon L3406

The Xeon L3406 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,104 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The A9-9420e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon L3406's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A9-9420e versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 1.2% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406. The A9-9420e is built on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the A9-9420e scores 1,101 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon L3406.

Feature	A9-9420e	Xeon L3406
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.53 GHz+1%
Base Clock	—	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	1,101	1,104

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Memory & Platform

The A9-9420e uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A9-9420e	Xeon L3406
Socket	BGA	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	1	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	4	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (A9-9420e) / not specified (Xeon L3406). The A9-9420e includes integrated graphics (Radeon R5 Graphics), while the Xeon L3406 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A9-9420e rivals Pentium N4200.