Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Xeon L3406

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Xeon L3406 Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

2 / 2

1,095

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon L3406

1,104

+0.8%

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 X2 3800+ 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.

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 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.

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

2005

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,095 vs 1,104).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3406, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.1 vs 5.8 PassMark/$ ($354 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
❌196.7% higher power demand at 89W vs 30W.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.
✅Costs $165 less on MSRP ($189 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 5.8 vs 3.1 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $354 MSRP).
✅Draws 30W instead of 89W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3406 better than Athlon 64 X2 3800+?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3406 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 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 46 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 0.8% 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 $165 cheaper on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $354 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 88.8% better value on MSRP (5.8 vs 3.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon L3406 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2005) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ vs Xeon L3406 Technical Specifications

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

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	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ was priced at $354, while the Xeon L3406 came in at $189. On launch pricing ($354 vs $189), Xeon L3406 was $165 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ delivers 3.1 pts/$ vs 5.8 pts/$ for the Xeon L3406 — making the Xeon L3406 the 61.5% better value option.

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 3800+	Xeon L3406
MSRP	$354	$189-47%
Performance per Dollar	3.1	5.8+87%
Release Date	2005	2010

Search Athlon 64 X2 3800+ on Amazon

Search Xeon L3406 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.