Xeon D-1602 vs Xeon E5606

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 D-1602 vs Xeon E5606 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 D-1602 vs Xeon E5606: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon D-1602

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 27W instead of 80W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E5606

2011

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,443 vs 2,459).
❌196.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 27W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1602 better than Xeon E5606?

Yes. Xeon D-1602 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon D-1602 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 47 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1602 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon D-1602 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon D-1602 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon D-1602 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon D-1602 vs Xeon E5606 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon D-1602

The Xeon D-1602 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 27 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,459 points. Launch price was $106.

Xeon E5606

The Xeon E5606 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,443 points. Launch price was $46.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon D-1602 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5606 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5606 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon D-1602 versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5606 — a 184.4% clock advantage for the Xeon D-1602 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Xeon D-1602 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5606 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon D-1602 scores 2,459 against the Xeon E5606's 2,443 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon D-1602. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Xeon D-1602 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5606.

Feature	Xeon D-1602	Xeon E5606
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+2362%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+17%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,459	2,443

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon D-1602 uses the FCBGA1667 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5606 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.