Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Xeon L3406
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Xeon L3406
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is positioned at rank 1094 and the Xeon L3406 is on rank 969, so the Xeon L3406 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Performance Per Dollar Xeon L3406
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | Xeon L3406 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | Xeon L3406 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 3800+ and Xeon L3406
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,095 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon L3406's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 23.4% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is built on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ scores 1,095 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon L3406. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | Xeon L3406 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 2.53 GHz+26% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.26 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | — |
| Process | 90 nm | 32 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Manchester (2005−2006) | — |
| PassMark | 1,095 | 1,104 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | Xeon L3406 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 939 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | — |
Value Analysis
The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ launched at $354 MSRP, while the Xeon L3406 debuted at $189. At current prices ($20 vs $30), the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ delivers 54.8 pts/$ vs 36.8 pts/$ for the Xeon L3406 — making the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ the 39.2% better value option.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ | Xeon L3406 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $354 | $189-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-33% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.8+49% | 36.8 |
| Release Date | 2005 | 2010 |
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