Celeron N3350 vs Xeon 5120

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 N3350 vs Xeon 5120 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

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Celeron N3350 vs Xeon 5120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N3350

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (6 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 500, while Xeon 5120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,112 vs 1,115).

Xeon 5120

2006

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron N3350 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N3350 better than Xeon 5120?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron N3350 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 5120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron N3350 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon 5120 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Celeron N3350 comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $107 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you 28.3% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Xeon 5120 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. Xeon 5120 is also 0.3% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 10.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Celeron N3350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N3350 vs Xeon 5120 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N3350

The Celeron N3350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,112 points. Launch price was $24.

Xeon 5120

The Xeon 5120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $45.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron N3350 and Xeon 5120 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Celeron N3350 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon 5120 — a 24.8% clock advantage for the Celeron N3350 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Celeron N3350 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon 5120 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N3350 scores 1,112 against the Xeon 5120's 1,115 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon 5120. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Celeron N3350	Xeon 5120
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+28%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	1.86 GHz+69%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB	4 MB+300%
Process	14 nm-78%	65 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Woodcrest (2006)
PassMark	1,112	1,115
Geekbench 6 Single	250	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	450	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N3350 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon 5120 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N3350	Xeon 5120
Socket	FCBGA1296	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	6	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Celeron N3350) / not specified (Xeon 5120). The Celeron N3350 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 500), while the Xeon 5120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron N3350 targets Entry Level Laptop/NUC. Direct competitor: Celeron N3350 rivals AMD A4-9120.

Feature	Celeron N3350	Xeon 5120
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 500	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Entry Level Laptop/NUC	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron N3350 was priced at $107, while the Xeon 5120 came in at $107. On launch pricing ($107 vs $107), Xeon 5120 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron N3350 delivers 10.4 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Xeon 5120 — making the Xeon 5120 the 0.3% better value option.

Feature	Celeron N3350	Xeon 5120
MSRP	$107	$107
Performance per Dollar	10.4	10.4
Release Date	2016	2006

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