Xeon L3406 vs Xeon 5120
Xeon L3406
Xeon 5120
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 Xeon 5120 is on rank 857, so the Xeon 5120 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 Xeon 5120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon L3406 | Xeon 5120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Woodcrest (2006) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon L3406 | Xeon 5120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+102%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Xeon 5120
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon L3406 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon 5120's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.53 GHz on the Xeon L3406 versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon 5120 — a 30% clock advantage for the Xeon L3406 (base: 2.26 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Xeon 5120 is built on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon L3406 scores 1,104 against the Xeon 5120's 1,115 — a 1% lead for the Xeon 5120. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3406 vs 0 kB on the Xeon 5120.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Xeon 5120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.53 GHz+35% | 1.87 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz+22% | 1.86 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | — | 4 MB |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | — | Woodcrest (2006) |
| PassMark | 1,104 | 1,115 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon L3406 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon 5120 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Xeon 5120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA771 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon L3406 launched at $189 MSRP, while the Xeon 5120 debuted at $107. At current prices ($30 vs $15), the Xeon 5120 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon L3406 delivers 36.8 pts/$ vs 74.3 pts/$ for the Xeon 5120 — making the Xeon 5120 the 67.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon L3406 | Xeon 5120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $189 | $107-43% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $15-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 36.8 | 74.3+102% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2006 |
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