Athlon 64 3300+ vs Xeon 3.06

AMD

Athlon 64 3300+

1 Cores1 Thrd89 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2004
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon 3.06

1 Cores1 Thrd97 WWMax: 3.07 GHz2003
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 3300+ vs Xeon 3.06 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.

Athlon 64 3300+ vs Xeon 3.06 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.

Athlon 64 3300+ vs Xeon 3.06: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon 64 3300+

2004

Why buy it

  • Draws 89W instead of 97W, a 8W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Xeon 3.06.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (522 vs 535).
  • Launch MSRP is still $200 MSRP, while Xeon 3.06 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon 3.06

2003

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon 64 3300+.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon 3.06 better than Athlon 64 3300+?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 3.06 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 3300+ 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 3.06 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 3.06 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon 3.06 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon 3.06 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 3300+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2004 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (2.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on 754.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Athlon 64 3300+ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2004 vs 2003). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon 64 3300+ vs Xeon 3.06 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 3300+

    The Athlon 64 3300+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the NewCastle (2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: 754. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 522 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Xeon 3.06

    The Xeon 3.06 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Gallatin (2003−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 3.07 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 97 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 535 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    Both the Athlon 64 3300+ and Xeon 3.06 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Athlon 64 3300+ versus 3.07 GHz on the Xeon 3.06 — a 24.5% clock advantage for the Xeon 3.06. The Athlon 64 3300+ uses the NewCastle (2004) architecture (130 nm), while the Xeon 3.06 uses Gallatin (2003−2004) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 3300+ scores 522 against the Xeon 3.06's 535 — a 2.5% lead for the Xeon 3.06. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 3300+ vs 2 MB on the Xeon 3.06.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3300+Xeon 3.06
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 1
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    2.4 GHz
    3.07 GHz+28%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    2 MB
    L2 Cache
    256 kB
    512 kB+100%
    Process
    130 nm
    130 nm
    Architecture
    NewCastle (2004)
    Gallatin (2003−2004)
    PassMark
    522
    535+2%
    Geekbench 6 Single
    150
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    150
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 3300+ uses the 754 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon 3.06 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3300+Xeon 3.06
    Socket
    754
    PGA604
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR1-400
    Max RAM Capacity
    3 GB
    RAM Channels
    1
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: None (Athlon 64 3300+) / not specified (Xeon 3.06). Primary use case: Athlon 64 3300+ targets Retro Desktop.

    FeatureAthlon 64 3300+Xeon 3.06
    Integrated GPU
    No
    IGPU Model
    None
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    None
    Target Use
    Retro Desktop