Xeon Gold 5120 vs Xeon Gold 5120T

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 Gold 5120 vs Xeon Gold 5120T 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 Gold 5120 vs Xeon Gold 5120T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon Gold 5120

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Gold 5120T

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Gold 5120 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (18,127 vs 18,132).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 5120 better than Xeon Gold 5120T?

Yes. Xeon Gold 5120 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0% 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 Gold 5120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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 Gold 5120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 5120 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon Gold 5120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon Gold 5120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 14/28. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon Gold 5120 vs Xeon Gold 5120T Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 5120

The Xeon Gold 5120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 18,132 points. Launch price was $1,555.

Xeon Gold 5120T

The Xeon Gold 5120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 18,127 points. Launch price was $1,727.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon Gold 5120 and Xeon Gold 5120T share an identical 14-core/28-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5120 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5120T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5120 scores 18,132 against the Xeon Gold 5120T's 18,127 — a 0% lead for the Xeon Gold 5120. Both processors carry 19.25 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon Gold 5120	Xeon Gold 5120T
Cores / Threads	14 / 28	14 / 28
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB	19.25 MB
L2 Cache	14 MB	14 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	18,132	18,127