Celeron 1020E vs Xeon E3120

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.

Celeron 1020E vs Xeon E3120 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.

Celeron 1020E vs Xeon E3120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 1020E

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Xeon E3120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,406 vs 1,408).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Xeon E3120 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron 1020E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3120 better than Celeron 1020E?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron 1020E 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 E3120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 E3120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon E3120 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron 1020E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (16.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on G2.

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

Celeron 1020E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 1020E vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 1020E

The Celeron 1020E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,406 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E3120

The Xeon E3120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.16 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,408 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Celeron 1020E is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron 1020E scores 1,406 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3120. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 1020E vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

Feature	Celeron 1020E	Xeon E3120
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.16 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	1,406	1,408

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 1020E uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3120 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron 1020E	Xeon E3120
Socket	G2	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron 1020E) / not specified (Xeon E3120). The Celeron 1020E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Xeon E3120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 1020E targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 1020E rivals Pentium 2020M.