Xeon 5120 vs Xeon L3406

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.

Xeon 5120 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.

Xeon 5120 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.

Xeon 5120

2006

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $82 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 78.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.4 vs 5.8 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌116.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 30W.

Xeon L3406

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 30W instead of 65W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,104 vs 1,115).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.8 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3406 better than Xeon 5120?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon L3406 is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 5120 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 5120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Xeon L3406 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon 5120 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon L3406 comes in 76.6% more expensive on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon 5120 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. Xeon 5120 is also 78.4% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 5.8 PassMark/$), 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 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon 5120 vs Xeon L3406 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon 5120

The Xeon 5120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,115 points. Launch price was $45.

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 Xeon 5120 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon L3406's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Xeon 5120 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 — a 30% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Xeon 5120 is built on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon 5120 scores 1,115 against the Xeon L3406's 1,104 — a 1% lead for the Xeon 5120. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Xeon 5120 vs 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406.

Feature	Xeon 5120	Xeon L3406
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.87 GHz	2.53 GHz+35%
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	2.26 GHz+22%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	4 MB	—
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	Woodcrest (2006)	—
PassMark	1,115	1,104

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon 5120 uses the LGA771 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L3406 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon 5120	Xeon L3406
Socket	LGA771	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon 5120 was priced at $107, while the Xeon L3406 came in at $189. On launch pricing ($107 vs $189), Xeon 5120 was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon 5120 delivers 10.4 pts/$ vs 5.8 pts/$ for the Xeon L3406 — making the Xeon 5120 the 56.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon 5120	Xeon L3406
MSRP	$107-43%	$189
Performance per Dollar	10.4+79%	5.8
Release Date	2006	2010

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