Pentium Dual Core T2390 vs Xeon L5408

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 Dual Core T2390 vs Xeon L5408 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 Dual Core T2390 vs Xeon L5408: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium Dual Core T2390

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 40W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5408, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Xeon L5408 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5408

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,769 vs 1,771).
❌3900% higher power demand at 40W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Dual Core T2390 better than Xeon L5408?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5408 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium Dual Core T2390 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 Dual Core T2390 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 45 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T2390 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium Dual Core T2390 is the better buy right now. Pentium Dual Core T2390 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 45 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 L5408 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Pentium Dual Core T2390 vs Xeon L5408 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium Dual Core T2390

The Pentium Dual Core T2390 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. Max frequency: 1.86 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,771 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon L5408

The Xeon L5408 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.133 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 40 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,769 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium Dual Core T2390 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon L5408 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon L5408 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.86 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T2390 versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon L5408 — a 173.9% clock advantage for the Pentium Dual Core T2390. The Pentium Dual Core T2390 uses the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon L5408 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium Dual Core T2390 scores 1,771 against the Xeon L5408's 1,769 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T2390.

Feature	Pentium Dual Core T2390	Xeon L5408
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.86 GHz+1331%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.133 GHz
L2 Cache	1 MB	6 MB (total)+500%
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	NetBurst (2000−2006)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,771	1,769

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium Dual Core T2390 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon L5408 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.