Xeon X3460 vs Xeon W3520
Xeon X3460
Xeon W3520
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 X3460 is positioned at rank 886 and the Xeon W3520 is on rank 861, 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 X3460
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3520
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X3460 | Xeon W3520 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X3460 | Xeon W3520 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+66%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ 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 X3460 and Xeon W3520
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon X3460 and Xeon W3520 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Xeon X3460 versus 2.93 GHz on the Xeon W3520 — a 16.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X3460 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Xeon X3460 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon W3520 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X3460 scores 2,955 against the Xeon W3520's 2,940 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X3460. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon X3460 | Xeon W3520 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+18% | 2.93 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+5% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,955 | 2,940 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X3460 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W3520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon X3460 | Xeon W3520 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X3460 launched at $316 MSRP, while the Xeon W3520 debuted at $284. At current prices ($25 vs $15), the Xeon W3520 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X3460 delivers 118.2 pts/$ vs 196.0 pts/$ for the Xeon W3520 — making the Xeon W3520 the 49.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X3460 | Xeon W3520 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $316 | $284-10% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25 | $15-40% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.2 | 196.0+66% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2009 |
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