Xeon Gold 5120
Intel
PassMark
18,132
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.
Overview
The Xeon Gold 5120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 18,132 points. Launch price was $1,555.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 5120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Dota 2
Elden Ring
Fortnite
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 5120 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5120 is a 14-core / 28-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 19.25 MB of L3 cache, plus 14 MB of L2 cache and 896 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 18,132, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5120 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 14C / 28T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 19.25 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 14 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 896 kB |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 81 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 18,132 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5120 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2400 memory.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5120 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Xeon Gold |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA3647 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2400 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 5120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 105 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5120 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 105 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 81 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #871 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5120 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $1,555 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #871 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 11 July 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| 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
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | Intel Xeon Gold |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $1,555 |
| Release Date | 11 July 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 871 |
Technical Specifications
12 specs
Technical Specifications
12 specs
| Cores | 14 |
| Threads | 28 |
| L1 Cache | 896 kB |
| L2 Cache | 14 MB |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB |
| Multiplier | 22 |
| Max Frequency | 3.2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 81 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 105 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4-2400 |
| Memory Channels | 6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 115.212 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 768 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 5120
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Xeon Gold 5120 with other popular CPUs
Compare Xeon Gold 5120
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
