Xeon L3406 vs Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Xeon L3406
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon L3406 is positioned at rank 969 and the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is on rank 1094, so the Xeon L3406 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon L3406
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon L3406 | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon L3406 | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon L3406 and Athlon 64 X2 3800+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,095 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Xeon L3406 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 X2 3800+'s 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 versus 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ — a 23.4% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is built on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon L3406 scores 1,104 against the Athlon 64 X2 3800+'s 1,095 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon L3406. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406 vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz+26% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | — | 512 kB |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | — | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,104 | 1,095 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon L3406 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon L3406 launched at $189 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ debuted at $354. At current prices ($30 vs $20), the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon L3406 delivers 36.8 pts/$ vs 54.8 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ — making the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ the 39.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Athlon 64 X2 3800+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $189-47% | $354 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $20-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.8 | 54.8+49% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2005 |
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