Celeron N4020C vs Xeon E5335

Intel

Celeron N4020C

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5335

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Celeron N4020C vs Xeon E5335 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.

Celeron N4020C vs Xeon E5335 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 N4020C vs Xeon E5335: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N4020C

2021

Why buy it

  • Draws 6W instead of 80W, a 74W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,537 vs 1,549).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5335, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5335

2006

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 1233.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N4020C better than Xeon E5335?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5335 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron N4020C 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 E5335 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron N4020C still makes the most sense overall. Celeron N4020C comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron N4020C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4020C vs Xeon E5335 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron N4020C

The Celeron N4020C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4/LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s. Passmark benchmark score: 1,537 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5335

The Xeon E5335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,549 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Celeron N4020C packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5335 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5335 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N4020C versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5335 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Celeron N4020C (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E5335 is built on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron N4020C scores 1,537 against the Xeon E5335's 1,549 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5335. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4020C vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5335.

FeatureCeleron N4020CXeon E5335
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+40%
2 GHz
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
2 GHz+82%
L3 Cache
4 MB
8 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache
4 MB (total)
Process
14 nm-78%
65 nm
Architecture
Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark
1,537
1,549
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4020C uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5335 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron N4020CXeon E5335
Socket
FCBGA1090
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+100%
PCIe 2.0