CPU
GPU
Core i7-3820
Xeon Bronze 3106
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3820 is positioned at rank 791 and the Xeon Bronze 3106 is on rank 730, so the Xeon Bronze 3106 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3820
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Bronze 3106
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($395) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1224%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($395) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3820 and Xeon Bronze 3106
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
Xeon Bronze 3106
The Xeon Bronze 3106 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 5,753 points. Launch price was $306.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3820 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon Bronze 3106 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon Bronze 3106 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon Bronze 3106 — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon Bronze 3106 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Xeon Bronze 3106's 5,753 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3820. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 11 MB (total) on the Xeon Bronze 3106.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+27% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+112% | 1.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 10240 kB (total) | 11 MB (total)+10% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 5,787 | 5,753 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 624 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon Bronze 3106 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820 versus 2133 on the Xeon Bronze 3106 — the Xeon Bronze 3106 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Bronze 3106 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 64 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-3820) vs 6 (Xeon Bronze 3106). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3820) vs 48 (Xeon Bronze 3106) — the Xeon Bronze 3106 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3820) and C621 (Xeon Bronze 3106).
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 2133+71000% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+8738033% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 6+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 48+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-3820 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Bronze 3106 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Bronze 3106). Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3820 launched at $286 MSRP, while the Xeon Bronze 3106 debuted at $395. At current prices ($30 vs $395), the Core i7-3820 is $365 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 192.9 pts/$ vs 14.6 pts/$ for the Xeon Bronze 3106 — making the Core i7-3820 the 171.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon Bronze 3106 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $286-28% | $395 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-92% | $395 |
| Performance per Dollar | 192.9+1221% | 14.6 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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