Turion II Ultra M600 vs Xeon L5420

AMD

Turion II Ultra M600

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5420

4 Cores4 Thrd50 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Turion II Ultra M600 vs Xeon L5420 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.

Turion II Ultra M600 vs Xeon L5420 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.

Turion II Ultra M600 vs Xeon L5420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Turion II Ultra M600

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 50W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,120 vs 2,143).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5420, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon L5420

2008

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • 2400% higher power demand at 50W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5420 better than Turion II Ultra M600?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5420 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Turion II Ultra M600 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 L5420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 L5420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon L5420 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L5420 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Turion II Ultra M600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Turion II Ultra M600 vs Xeon L5420 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Turion II Ultra M600

The Turion II Ultra M600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Caspian (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g3. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,120 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon L5420

The Xeon L5420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 March 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 50 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,143 points. Launch price was $380.

Processing Power

The Turion II Ultra M600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon L5420 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon L5420 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Turion II Ultra M600 versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon L5420 — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Xeon L5420. The Turion II Ultra M600 uses the Caspian (2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon L5420 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Turion II Ultra M600 scores 2,120 against the Xeon L5420's 2,143 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon L5420.

FeatureTurion II Ultra M600Xeon L5420
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.4 GHz
2.5 GHz+4%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
2 MB
6 MB (total)+200%
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Caspian (2009)
Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark
2,120
2,143+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Turion II Ultra M600 uses the S1g3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5420 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureTurion II Ultra M600Xeon L5420
Socket
S1g3
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0