Phenom II X3 N830 vs Xeon L3406

Phenom II X3 N830 vs Xeon L3406 Performance Spectrum

Phenom II X3 N830

3 / 3

1,107

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon L3406

1,104

0.0%

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 N830 vs Xeon L3406 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 N830 vs Xeon L3406: 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 N830

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 2W instead of 30W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3406, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,104 vs 1,107).
❌Launch MSRP is still $189 MSRP, while Phenom II X3 N830 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1900% higher power demand at 30W vs 1.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 N830 better than Xeon L3406?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3406 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Phenom II X3 N830 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 N830 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom II X3 N830 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon L3406 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Phenom II X3 N830 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $189 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon L3406 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon L3406 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon L3406 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Phenom II X3 N830 vs Xeon L3406 Technical Specifications

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

Phenom II X3 N830

The Phenom II X3 N830 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,107 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon L3406

The Xeon L3406 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,104 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Phenom II X3 N830 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Xeon L3406 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X3 N830 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Phenom II X3 N830 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 18.6% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406. The Phenom II X3 N830 is built on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 N830 scores 1,107 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 0.3% lead for the Phenom II X3 N830.

Feature	Phenom II X3 N830	Xeon L3406
Cores / Threads	3 / 3+50%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.53 GHz+20%
Base Clock	—	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1.5 MB	—
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Champlain (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,107	1,104

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Memory & Platform

The Phenom II X3 N830 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.