Athlon II X3 405e vs Xeon L3110

AMD

Athlon II X3 405e

3 Cores3 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L3110

45 WW2009
Similar parts
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Athlon II X3 405e vs Xeon L3110 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 II X3 405e vs Xeon L3110 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 II X3 405e vs Xeon L3110: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon II X3 405e

2009

Why buy it

  • Costs $900 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $1,000 MSRP).
  • Delivers 894.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 1.3 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $1,000 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,331 vs 1,338).

Xeon L3110

2009

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.3 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($1,000 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon L3110 better than Athlon II X3 405e?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3110 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Athlon II X3 405e 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 L3110 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 L3110 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon L3110 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L3110 comes in 900.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,000 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II X3 405e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 894.8% better value on paper (13.3 vs 1.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Xeon L3110 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

    Athlon II X3 405e vs Xeon L3110 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon II X3 405e

    The Athlon II X3 405e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,331 points. Launch price was $80.

    Intel

    Xeon L3110

    The Xeon L3110 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,338 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon II X3 405e is built on the Rana (2009−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Athlon II X3 405e scores 1,331 against the Xeon L3110's 1,338 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon L3110. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon II X3 405e vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L3110.

    FeatureAthlon II X3 405eXeon L3110
    Cores / Threads
    3 / 3
    Boost Clock
    2.3 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.3 GHz
    3 GHz+30%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    6 MB L2 Cache
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    45 nm
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Rana (2009−2011)
    PassMark
    1,331
    1,338
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon II X3 405e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L3110 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureAthlon II X3 405eXeon L3110
    Socket
    AM3
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon II X3 405e was priced at $100, while the Xeon L3110 came in at $1000. On launch pricing ($100 vs $1000), Athlon II X3 405e was $900 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X3 405e delivers 13.3 pts/$ vs 1.3 pts/$ for the Xeon L3110 — making the Athlon II X3 405e the 163.5% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon II X3 405eXeon L3110
    MSRP
    $100-90%
    $1000
    Performance per Dollar
    13.3+923%
    1.3
    Release Date
    2009
    2009

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