Xeon W3520 vs Xeon X3460
Xeon W3520
Xeon X3460
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 W3520 is positioned at rank 861 and the Xeon X3460 is on rank 886, so the Xeon W3520 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3520
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3460
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W3520 | Xeon X3460 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W3520 | Xeon X3460 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+66%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) |
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 W3520 and Xeon X3460
Xeon W3520
The Xeon W3520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,940 points. Launch price was $404.
Xeon X3460
The Xeon X3460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,955 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon W3520 and Xeon X3460 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Xeon W3520 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon X3460 — a 16.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X3460 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Xeon W3520 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X3460 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W3520 scores 2,940 against the Xeon X3460's 2,955 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X3460. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon W3520 | Xeon X3460 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.46 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Bloomfield (2008−2010) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,940 | 2,955 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W3520 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3460 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon W3520 | Xeon X3460 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W3520 launched at $284 MSRP, while the Xeon X3460 debuted at $316. At current prices ($15 vs $25), the Xeon W3520 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W3520 delivers 196.0 pts/$ vs 118.2 pts/$ for the Xeon X3460 — making the Xeon W3520 the 49.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W3520 | Xeon X3460 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $284-10% | $316 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-40% | $25 |
| Performance per Dollar | 196.0+66% | 118.2 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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