Core 3 N355 vs Xeon E-2126G

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 N355 vs Xeon E-2126G 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 N355 vs Xeon E-2126G: 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 N355

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,402 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Delivers 806.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.0 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 80W, a 65W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon E-2126G

2018

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 3 N355 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,437 vs 10,502).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 35.0 PassMark/$ ($2,702 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
❌433.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core 3 N355 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 3 N355 better than Xeon E-2126G?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2126G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 3 N355 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 3 N355 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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, Core 3 N355 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core 3 N355 is the better buy right now. Core 3 N355 comes in $2,402 cheaper on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $2,702 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 806.3% better value on MSRP (35.0 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core 3 N355 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/6. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 3 N355 vs Xeon E-2126G Technical Specifications

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

Core 3 N355

The Core 3 N355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,502 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E-2126G

The Xeon E-2126G 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 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 10,437 points. Launch price was $255.

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Processing Power

The Core 3 N355 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E-2126G offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core 3 N355 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core 3 N355 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon E-2126G — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2126G (base: 0.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E-2126G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 3 N355 scores 10,502 against the Xeon E-2126G's 10,437 — a 0.6% lead for the Core 3 N355. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core 3 N355 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2126G.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Xeon E-2126G
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 6
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.5 GHz+15%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+3200%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Twin Lake (2024−2025)	Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
PassMark	10,502	10,437

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Memory & Platform

The Core 3 N355 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E-2126G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Xeon E-2126G
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 3 N355 was priced at $300, while the Xeon E-2126G came in at $2702. On launch pricing ($300 vs $2702), Core 3 N355 was $2402 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 3 N355 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 3.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2126G — making the Core 3 N355 the 160.2% better value option.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Xeon E-2126G
MSRP	$300-89%	$2702
Performance per Dollar	35.0+797%	3.9
Release Date	2025	2018

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