E2-1800 vs Xeon 5120

AMD

E2-1800

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon 5120

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 1.87 GHz2006
Similar parts
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E2-1800 vs Xeon 5120 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.

E2-1800 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.

E2-1800

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,110 vs 1,115).

Xeon 5120

2006

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $107 MSRP, while E2-1800 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon 5120 better than E2-1800?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while E2-1800 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Xeon 5120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon 5120 is the better buy right now. Xeon 5120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $107 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    E2-1800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    E2-1800 vs Xeon 5120 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    E2-1800

    The E2-1800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,110 points. Launch price was $50.

    Intel

    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.

    Processing Power

    Both the E2-1800 and Xeon 5120 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the E2-1800 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon 5120 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Xeon 5120. The E2-1800 uses the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture (40 nm), while the Xeon 5120 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the E2-1800 scores 1,110 against the Xeon 5120's 1,115 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon 5120. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureE2-1800Xeon 5120
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    1.7 GHz
    1.87 GHz+10%
    Base Clock
    1.86 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)+12700%
    4 MB
    Process
    40 nm-38%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Zacate (2011−2013)
    Woodcrest (2006)
    PassMark
    1,110
    1,115
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The E2-1800 uses the FT1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon 5120 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureE2-1800Xeon 5120
    Socket
    FT1
    LGA771
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0