Phenom II X3 700e vs Xeon E7320

AMD

Phenom II X3 700e

3 Cores3 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon E7320

80 WW2007
Similar parts
·······

Phenom II X3 700e vs Xeon E7320 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.

Phenom II X3 700e vs Xeon E7320 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.

Phenom II X3 700e vs Xeon E7320: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Phenom II X3 700e

2009

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E7320 across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,451 vs 1,469).
  • Launch MSRP is still $125 MSRP, while Xeon E7320 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E7320

2007

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.6% higher average FPS across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • 23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E7320 better than Phenom II X3 700e?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7320 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X3 700e 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 E7320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.6% more average FPS across 47 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E7320 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E7320 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $125 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.6% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom II X3 700e only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom II X3 700e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007) and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Phenom II X3 700e vs Xeon E7320 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Phenom II X3 700e

The Phenom II X3 700e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,451 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E7320

The Xeon E7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,469 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Phenom II X3 700e is built on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 700e scores 1,451 against the Xeon E7320's 1,469 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E7320. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 700e vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E7320.

FeaturePhenom II X3 700eXeon E7320
Cores / Threads
3 / 3
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+13%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)+50%
4 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark
1,451
1,469+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
250
Geekbench 6 Multi
650
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X3 700e uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E7320 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePhenom II X3 700eXeon E7320
Socket
AM3
PGA604
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (Phenom II X3 700e) / not specified (Xeon E7320). Primary use case: Phenom II X3 700e targets Legacy Desktop.

FeaturePhenom II X3 700eXeon E7320
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Desktop