What To Know
- The Intel Xeon L5420 is a quad-core processor based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, while the i5 2400 is a quad-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.
- The Intel Xeon L5420 is a discontinued processor and may be more difficult to find and purchase compared to the i5 2400.
- If you require a processor with high single-core performance and advanced features like AVX support, the i5 2400 is a better option.
When building or upgrading a high-performance computer system, choosing the right processor is crucial. Two popular options for demanding applications are the Intel Xeon L5420 and the i5 2400. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two processors, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Core Count and Architecture
The Intel Xeon L5420 is a quad-core processor based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, while the i5 2400 is a quad-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The Sandy Bridge architecture offers several improvements over Nehalem, including support for the AVX instruction set and enhanced power management features.
Clock Speed and Cache
The L5420 operates at a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz, which can be boosted to 3.1 GHz using Turbo Boost technology. The i5 2400 has a slightly higher base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and can reach 3.4 GHz with Turbo Boost. In terms of cache, the L5420 has 12 MB of L3 cache, while the i5 2400 has 6 MB of L3 cache.
Performance Benchmarks
Single-Core Performance: In single-core performance benchmarks, the i5 2400 generally outperforms the L5420 due to its higher clock speed and improved microarchitecture.
Multi-Core Performance: In multi-core performance benchmarks, the L5420 can outperform the i5 2400 in certain applications that heavily utilize all four cores.
Memory Performance: Both processors support DDR3 memory, but the i5 2400 supports higher memory speeds (up to 1333 MHz) than the L5420 (up to 1066 MHz).
Power Consumption
The Intel Xeon L5420 has a higher thermal design power (TDP) of 95 watts compared to the i5 2400’s TDP of 95 watts. This means that the L5420 may consume more power and require better cooling solutions.
Overclocking Potential
Overclocking is not officially supported by Intel for either the L5420 or the i5 2400. However, some users have reported success in overclocking both processors to achieve higher performance.
Compatibility
The L5420 is compatible with motherboards that support the LGA 775 socket, while the i5 2400 is compatible with motherboards that support the LGA 1155 socket. It is important to ensure that your motherboard is compatible with the processor you choose.
Pricing and Availability
The Intel Xeon L5420 is a discontinued processor and may be more difficult to find and purchase compared to the i5 2400. The pricing of the L5420 may vary depending on availability and market conditions.
Wrap-Up
The choice between the Intel Xeon L5420 and the i5 2400 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require a processor with high single-core performance and advanced features like AVX support, the i5 2400 is a better option. However, if you need a processor with more cores and cache for multi-threaded applications, the L5420 may be a more suitable choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which processor is better for gaming?
The i5 2400 generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher single-core performance.
2. Which processor is more energy-efficient?
The i5 2400 has a lower TDP and is generally more energy-efficient than the L5420.
3. Can I overclock the L5420 or i5 2400?
Overclocking is not officially supported by Intel, but some users have reported success in overclocking both processors.
