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 G3240 vs Xeon E5603 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 G3240 vs Xeon E5603: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G3240

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $99 less on MSRP ($89 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).
✅Delivers 110.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.7 vs 10.3 PassMark/$ ($89 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).
✅Draws 53W instead of 80W, a 27W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,930 vs 1,935).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5603, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 32 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5603

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 32 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (32 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.3 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($188 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
❌50.9% higher power demand at 80W vs 53W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5603 better than Pentium G3240?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5603 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium G3240 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 E5603 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 E5603 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5603 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5603 comes in 111.2% more expensive on MSRP at $188 MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 110.7% better value on paper (21.7 vs 10.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G3240 vs Xeon E5603 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium G3240

The Pentium G3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,930 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E5603

The Xeon E5603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,935 points. Launch price was $286.

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Processing Power

The Pentium G3240 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5603 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5603 has 2 more cores. The Xeon E5603 is built on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3240 scores 1,930 against the Xeon E5603's 1,935 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5603. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5603.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon E5603
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	—	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+94%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,930	1,935

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium G3240 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5603 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon E5603
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	288 GB
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	32

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Pentium G3240) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5603). Primary use case: Xeon E5603 targets Server.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon E5603
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G3240 was priced at $89, while the Xeon E5603 came in at $188. On launch pricing ($89 vs $188), Pentium G3240 was $99 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3240 delivers 21.7 pts/$ vs 10.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5603 — making the Pentium G3240 the 71.3% better value option.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon E5603
MSRP	$89-53%	$188
Performance per Dollar	21.7+111%	10.3
Release Date	2014	2011

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