Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E3120

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3120

65 WW2008
Similar parts
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Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +614.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $329 MSRP, while Xeon E3120 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3120

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (1,408 vs 22,430).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 32 MB).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Ryzen 7 3700X 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 Ryzen 7 3700X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 614.5% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1493% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $329 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 614.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2008) and 433.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 6 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Ryzen 7 3700X vs Xeon E3120 Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Ryzen 7 3700X

    The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

    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 Ryzen 7 3700X is built on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 3700X scores 22,430 against the Xeon E3120's 1,408 — a 176.4% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3120.

    FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon E3120
    Cores / Threads
    8 / 16
    Boost Clock
    4.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.6 GHz+14%
    3.16 GHz
    L3 Cache
    32 MB+433%
    6 MB L2 Cache
    L2 Cache
    512K (per core)
    Process
    7 nm, 12 nm-84%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
    PassMark
    22,430+1493%
    1,408
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Ryzen 7 3700X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3120 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureRyzen 7 3700XXeon E3120
    Socket
    AM4
    LGA775
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 4.0+100%
    PCIe 2.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-3200
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    24