Pentium G3240 vs Xeon X6550

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 X6550 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 X6550: 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

✅Draws 53W instead of 130W, a 77W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X6550 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,930 vs 1,936).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X6550, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Xeon X6550 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X6550

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌145.3% higher power demand at 130W vs 53W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X6550 better than Pentium G3240?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X6550 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 X6550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.1% 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 X6550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X6550 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X6550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3240 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (21.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G3240 vs Xeon X6550 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 X6550

The Xeon X6550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,936 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Pentium G3240 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon X6550 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon X6550 has 6 more cores. In PassMark, the Pentium G3240 scores 1,930 against the Xeon X6550's 1,936 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X6550. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G3240 vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X6550.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon X6550
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock	—	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+55%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	18 MB L3 Cache+500%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
PassMark	1,930	1,936

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium G3240 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X6550 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium G3240	Xeon X6550
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Pentium G3240) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X6550). Primary use case: Xeon X6550 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon X6550 rivals Core i7-980X.