Pentium Extreme Edition 965 vs Xeon W3505

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 Extreme Edition 965 vs Xeon W3505 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 Extreme Edition 965 vs Xeon W3505: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $999 MSRP, while Xeon W3505 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W3505

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,163 vs 1,165).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Extreme Edition 965 better than Xeon W3505?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3505 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium Extreme Edition 965 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 Extreme Edition 965 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 Extreme Edition 965 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is the better buy right now. Pentium Extreme Edition 965 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $999 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (1.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 W3505 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium Extreme Edition 965 vs Xeon W3505 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 March 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Presler (2005−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.733 GHz, with boost up to 0.73 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,165 points. Launch price was $999.

Xeon W3505

The Xeon W3505 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 0.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,163 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W3505's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.73 GHz on the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 versus 0.53 GHz on the Xeon W3505 — a 31.7% clock advantage for the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 (base: 3.733 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 uses the Presler (2005−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon W3505 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 scores 1,165 against the Xeon W3505's 1,163 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium Extreme Edition 965.

Feature	Pentium Extreme Edition 965	Xeon W3505
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.73 GHz+38%	0.53 GHz
Base Clock	3.733 GHz+48%	2.53 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Presler (2005−2007)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,165	1,163

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon W3505 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.