Pentium 3825U vs Xeon E3120

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.

Pentium 3825U vs Xeon E3120 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.

Pentium 3825U vs Xeon E3120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 3825U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,396 vs 1,408).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3120 better than Pentium 3825U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium 3825U 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 E3120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 E3120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon E3120 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium 3825U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium 3825U vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 3825U

The Pentium 3825U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,396 points. Launch price was $161.

Xeon E3120

The Xeon E3120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.16 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,408 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 3825U is built on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium 3825U scores 1,396 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E3120. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 3825U vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

Feature	Pentium 3825U	Xeon E3120
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	3.16 GHz+66%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	—
PassMark	1,396	1,408

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 3825U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3120 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.