Pentium J3710 vs Xeon E3120

Intel

Pentium J3710

4 Cores4 Thrd6.5 WWMax: 2.64 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3120

65 WW2008
Similar parts
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Pentium J3710 vs Xeon E3120 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 J3710 vs Xeon E3120 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 J3710 vs Xeon E3120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium J3710

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 7W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,408 vs 1,420).
    • 900% higher power demand at 65W vs 6.5W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium J3710 better than Xeon E3120?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3120 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium J3710 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 J3710 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium J3710 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium J3710 still makes the most sense overall. Pentium J3710 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium J3710 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2008). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Pentium J3710 vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Pentium J3710

    The Pentium J3710 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Airmont (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.64 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,420 points. Launch price was $161.

    Intel

    Xeon E3120

    The Xeon E3120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.16 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,408 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium J3710 is built on the Airmont (2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium J3710 scores 1,420 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium J3710. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium J3710 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

    FeaturePentium J3710Xeon E3120
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    2.64 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.6 GHz
    3.16 GHz+98%
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    6 MB L2 Cache
    L2 Cache
    2 MB
    Process
    14 nm-69%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Airmont (2016)
    PassMark
    1,420
    1,408
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium J3710 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3120 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium J3710Xeon E3120
    Socket
    FCBGA1170
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0