Pentium D 820 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 D 820 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 D 820 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 D 820

2005

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $241 MSRP, while Xeon E3120 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,408 vs 1,412).
❌3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium D 820 better than Xeon E3120?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium D 820 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium D 820 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, Pentium D 820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium D 820 is the better buy right now. Pentium D 820 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $241 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2005). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium D 820 vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium D 820

The Pentium D 820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,412 points. Launch price was $69.

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 D 820 is built on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium D 820 scores 1,412 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium D 820. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium D 820 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

Feature	Pentium D 820	Xeon E3120
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.16 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB	—
Process	90 nm	45 nm-50%
Architecture	NetBurst (2000−2006)	—
PassMark	1,412	1,408
Geekbench 6 Single	166	—