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.

Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon 5120

#139

EPYC 4484PX

MSRP: $599|Avg: $599

114%

#140

Xeon E5-2407 v2

MSRP: $250|Avg: $39

113%

#141

Xeon E3-1220L

MSRP: $189|Avg: $27

113%

#142

Xeon E5-1620

MSRP: $885|Avg: $70

112%

#143

Xeon E5-2667 v3

MSRP: $2057|Avg: $150

112%

#144

Xeon E5-1680 v2

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $150

111%

#145

Xeon Gold 6138

MSRP: $2612|Avg: $300

108%

#146

Xeon E5-2660 v2

MSRP: $1393|Avg: $129

108%

#147

Xeon Gold 5520+

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $764

108%

#148

Xeon W-1350P

MSRP: $311|Avg: $250

106%

#149

Xeon E5-2450L

MSRP: $1106|Avg: $78

104%

#150

Xeon Platinum 8260

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

103%

#151

Xeon E5-1428L V2

MSRP: $494|Avg: $83

101%

#152

Xeon E5-2637

MSRP: $885|Avg: $40

100%

#153

Xeon E5-2658A V3

MSRP: $1832|Avg: $200

100%

#154

Xeon 5120

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

100%

#155

Xeon E5-1681 V3

MSRP: $1589|Avg: $200

100%

#156

Xeon X3450

MSRP: $241|Avg: $39

99%

#157

Xeon Silver 4314

MSRP: $395|Avg: $395

99%

#158

EPYC 74F3

MSRP: $913|Avg: $824

99%

#159

Xeon W-1350

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

99%

#160

Xeon W-1370P

MSRP: $323|Avg: $323

99%

#161

Xeon 6315P

MSRP: $1166|Avg: $160

99%

#162

Xeon Gold 6143

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

97%

#163

Xeon E-2456

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $289

96%

#164

Xeon E7540

MSRP: $1980|Avg: $146

96%

#165

Xeon W-1370

MSRP: $323|Avg: $323

96%

#166

Xeon E-2234

MSRP: $250|Avg: $136

95%

#167

Opteron 6274

MSRP: $639|Avg: $80

95%

#168

Xeon E5-2680 v3

MSRP: $1745|Avg: $212

94%

#169

Ryzen 3 PRO 1200

MSRP: $109|Avg: $80

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon 5120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon 5120 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon 5120 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.87 GHz from a base frequency of 1.86 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB of L2 cache and 0 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,115, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon 5120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.87 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.86 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Woodcrest (2006)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	0 kB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	65 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	B2=1.0V-1.5V, G0=.85V-1.5V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,115

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon 5120 fits into the LGA771 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR2 memory.

Specification	Xeon 5120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA771
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR2
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon 5120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon 5120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	65 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $107), the Xeon 5120 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3201 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon 5120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$107
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$45
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3201
Release DateLaunch date	Junho 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

6 specs

Type	server
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$45
Release Date	Junho 2006 (19 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Woodcrest (2006)
Performance Ranking Position	3201

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
L1 Cache	0 kB
L2 Cache	4 MB
L3 Cache	0 kB
Max Frequency	1.87 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.86 GHz
Process Technology	65 nm
Allowed Core Voltage	B2=1.0V-1.5V, G0=.85V-1.5V
Max Core Temperature	65 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-