Pentium B980 vs Xeon 5120

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 B980 vs Xeon 5120 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 B980 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.

Pentium B980

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,101 vs 1,115).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.8 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($125 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).

Xeon 5120

2006

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $18 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.4 vs 8.8 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium B980 better than Xeon 5120?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium B980 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 5120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium B980 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon 5120 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Pentium B980 comes in 16.8% more expensive on MSRP at $125 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon 5120 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.3% better PassMark. Xeon 5120 is also 18.3% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 8.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Pentium B980 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.

Pentium B980 vs Xeon 5120 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium B980

The Pentium B980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,101 points. Launch price was $125.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Pentium B980 and Xeon 5120 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Pentium B980 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon 5120 — a 24.8% clock advantage for the Pentium B980 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Pentium B980 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon 5120 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium B980 scores 1,101 against the Xeon 5120's 1,115 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon 5120. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B980 vs 0 kB on the Xeon 5120.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon 5120
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+28%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+29%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+6300%	4 MB
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Woodcrest (2006)
PassMark	1,101	1,115+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium B980 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon 5120 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon 5120
Socket	PGA988	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium B980 was priced at $125, while the Xeon 5120 came in at $107. On launch pricing ($125 vs $107), Xeon 5120 was $18 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium B980 delivers 8.8 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Xeon 5120 — making the Xeon 5120 the 16.8% better value option.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon 5120
MSRP	$125	$107-14%
Performance per Dollar	8.8	10.4+18%
Release Date	2012	2006

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