Pentium E5700 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 E5700 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 E5700 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 E5700

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $114 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 150.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.6 vs 5.8 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,096 vs 1,104).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3406, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.
❌116.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 30W.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 30W instead of 65W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.8 vs 14.6 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3406 better than Pentium E5700?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3406 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium E5700 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 L3406 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 152.0% more expensive on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $75 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. Pentium E5700 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 150.2% better value on paper (14.6 vs 5.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Xeon L3406 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Pentium E5700 vs Xeon L3406 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium E5700

The Pentium E5700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,096 points. Launch price was $110.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium E5700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon L3406's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Pentium E5700 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 17% clock advantage for the Pentium E5700 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Pentium E5700 is built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium E5700 scores 1,096 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon L3406. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium E5700 vs 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406.

Feature	Pentium E5700	Xeon L3406
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+19%	2.53 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+33%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)	—
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	—
PassMark	1,096	1,104

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium E5700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium E5700	Xeon L3406
Socket	LGA775	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium E5700 was priced at $75, while the Xeon L3406 came in at $189. On launch pricing ($75 vs $189), Pentium E5700 was $114 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium E5700 delivers 14.6 pts/$ vs 5.8 pts/$ for the Xeon L3406 — making the Pentium E5700 the 85.8% better value option.

Feature	Pentium E5700	Xeon L3406
MSRP	$75-60%	$189
Performance per Dollar	14.6+152%	5.8
Release Date	2010	2010

Search Pentium E5700 on Amazon

Search Xeon L3406 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.