Core i3-4120U vs Xeon E5506

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.

Core i3-4120U vs Xeon E5506 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.

Core i3-4120U vs Xeon E5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Xeon E5506 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,948 vs 1,961).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5506, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5506

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4120U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5506 better than Core i3-4120U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4120U 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 E5506 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5506 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5506 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-4120U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4120U vs Xeon E5506 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4120U

The Core i3-4120U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,948 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon E5506

The Xeon E5506 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,961 points. Launch price was $43.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4120U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5506 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5506 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5506 — a 175.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-4120U (base: 2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-4120U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4120U scores 1,948 against the Xeon E5506's 1,961 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5506. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4120U vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5506.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Xeon E5506
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz+1438%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.13 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,948	1,961
Geekbench 6 Single	462	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,071	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4120U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Xeon E5506
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-4120U) / not specified (Xeon E5506). The Core i3-4120U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon E5506 requires a dedicated GPU.