Celeron N5100 vs Xeon X3480

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.

Celeron N5100 vs Xeon X3480 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Celeron N5100 vs Xeon X3480: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron N5100

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 95W, a 89W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3480 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,305 vs 3,327).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3480, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3480

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $612 MSRP, while Celeron N5100 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1483.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3480 better than Celeron N5100?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3480 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron N5100 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X3480 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3480 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon X3480 is the better buy right now. Xeon X3480 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $612 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron N5100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N5100 vs Xeon X3480 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Celeron N5100

The Celeron N5100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Jasper Lake (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.5 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1338. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,305 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon X3480

The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N5100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X3480's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N5100 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Celeron N5100 uses the Jasper Lake (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N5100 scores 3,305 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X3480. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron N5100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.

Feature	Celeron N5100	Xeon X3480
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	3.73 GHz+33%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	3.06 GHz+178%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	1.5 MB (total)+500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-78%	45 nm
Architecture	Jasper Lake (2021)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,305	3,327

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N5100 uses the BGA1338 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon X3480 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.