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 i7-3820 vs Xeon Bronze 3106 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 i7-3820 vs Xeon Bronze 3106: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3820

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $109 less on MSRP ($286 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).
✅Delivers 38.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.2 vs 14.6 PassMark/$ ($286 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Bronze 3106 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Bronze 3106, which brings 8 cores / 8 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.

Xeon Bronze 3106

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 8 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 40.
✅Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.
✅20% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,753 vs 5,787).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.6 vs 20.2 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Bronze 3106 better than Core i7-3820?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Bronze 3106 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3820 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, Core i7-3820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon Bronze 3106 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon Bronze 3106 comes in 38.1% more expensive on MSRP at $395 MSRP versus $286 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3820 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 38.9% better value on paper (20.2 vs 14.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Xeon Bronze 3106 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3820 vs Xeon Bronze 3106 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Bronze 3106 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 1100% 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+33%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	48+20%

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3820 was priced at $286, while the Xeon Bronze 3106 came in at $395. On launch pricing ($286 vs $395), Core i7-3820 was $109 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 14.6 pts/$ for the Xeon Bronze 3106 — making the Core i7-3820 the 32.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Xeon Bronze 3106
MSRP	$286-28%	$395
Performance per Dollar	20.2+38%	14.6
Release Date	2012	2017

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