Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs Xeon E5506

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs Xeon E5506 Performance Spectrum

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2 / 2

1,965

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E5506

4 / 4

1,961

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.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs Xeon E5506 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 X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs Xeon E5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W instead of 80W, a 78W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5506, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5506

2009

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,961 vs 1,965).
❌3900% higher power demand at 80W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 better than Xeon E5506?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.0% 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, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 still makes the most sense overall. Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5506 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 X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs Xeon E5506 Technical Specifications

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

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Griffin (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,965 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E5506

The Xeon E5506 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,961 points. Launch price was $43.

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Processing Power

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5506 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5506 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5506 — a 179.4% clock advantage for the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86. The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses the Griffin (2008−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon E5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 scores 1,965 against the Xeon E5506's 1,961 — a 0.2% lead for the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5506.

Feature	Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86	Xeon E5506
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+1746%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Griffin (2008−2009)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,965	1,961

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Memory & Platform

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses the S1g2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.