Core 3 100U vs Xeon E-2146G

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.

Core 3 100U vs Xeon E-2146G 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.

Core 3 100U vs Xeon E-2146G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 3 100U

2024

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 15W instead of 80W, a 65W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E-2146G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E-2146G, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E-2146G can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Xeon E-2146G.

Xeon E-2146G

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics P630, while Core 3 100U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,240 vs 13,312).
❌433.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core 3 100U moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 3 100U better than Xeon E-2146G?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2146G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 3 100U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 3 100U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core 3 100U still makes the most sense overall. Core 3 100U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark.

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

Core 3 100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 3 100U vs Xeon E-2146G Technical Specifications

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

Core 3 100U

The Core 3 100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024) architecture. It features 6 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 13,312 points. Launch price was $426.

Xeon E-2146G

The Xeon E-2146G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,240 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

The Core 3 100U packs 6 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E-2146G's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core 3 100U versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon E-2146G — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core 3 100U (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core 3 100U uses the Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E-2146G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 3 100U scores 13,312 against the Xeon E-2146G's 13,240 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 3 100U. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core 3 100U vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2146G.

Feature	Core 3 100U	Xeon E-2146G
Cores / Threads	6 / 8	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz+4%	4.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+192%
L3 Cache	10 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-U Refresh (2024)	Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
PassMark	13,312	13,240
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,557
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	6,385

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Memory & Platform

The Core 3 100U uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E-2146G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 3 100U	Xeon E-2146G
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 3 100U) / Yes (Xeon E-2146G). The Xeon E-2146G includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P630), while the Core 3 100U requires a dedicated GPU.