Pentium B980 vs Xeon L3406

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 L3406 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 L3406: 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

✅Costs $64 less on MSRP ($125 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.8 vs 5.8 PassMark/$ ($125 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,101 vs 1,104).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3406, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.
❌16.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 30W.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 30W instead of 35W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.8 vs 8.8 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3406 better than Pentium B980?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3406 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon L3406 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 L3406 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon L3406 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L3406 comes in 51.2% more expensive on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $125 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium B980 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 50.8% better value on paper (8.8 vs 5.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium B980 vs Xeon L3406 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 L3406

The Xeon L3406 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,104 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium B980 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon L3406's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Pentium B980 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Pentium B980 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium B980 scores 1,101 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon L3406. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B980 vs 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon L3406
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.53 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+6%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,101	1,104

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium B980 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon L3406
Socket	PGA988	LGA1156
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 L3406 came in at $189. On launch pricing ($125 vs $189), Pentium B980 was $64 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium B980 delivers 8.8 pts/$ vs 5.8 pts/$ for the Xeon L3406 — making the Pentium B980 the 40.5% better value option.

Feature	Pentium B980	Xeon L3406
MSRP	$125-34%	$189
Performance per Dollar	8.8+52%	5.8
Release Date	2012	2010

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