Core i3-10100T vs Xeon E5-1620 v4

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 i3-10100T vs Xeon E5-1620 v4 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 i3-10100T vs Xeon E5-1620 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100T

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,017 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅Delivers 679.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.0 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 140W, a 105W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1620 v4 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,305 vs 7,338).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).

Xeon E5-1620 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 49.0 PassMark/$ ($1,166 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
❌300% higher power demand at 140W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1620 v4 better than Core i3-10100T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1620 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-10100T 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 E5-1620 v4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.8% 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 E5-1620 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5-1620 v4 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-1620 v4 comes in 682.6% more expensive on MSRP at $1,166 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-10100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 7,305 PassMark with 4 cores and 8 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-10100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10100T vs Xeon E5-1620 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10100T

The Core i3-10100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,305 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-1620 v4

The Xeon E5-1620 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-EP (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,338 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10100T and Xeon E5-1620 v4 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-10100T versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v4 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-1620 v4 is built on the Broadwell-EP (2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-10100T scores 7,305 against the Xeon E5-1620 v4's 7,338 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v4. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-10100T vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v4.

Feature	Core i3-10100T	Xeon E5-1620 v4
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.5 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache	10 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	—	Broadwell-EP (2016)
PassMark	7,305	7,338

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-10100T	Xeon E5-1620 v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10100T was priced at $149, while the Xeon E5-1620 v4 came in at $1166. On launch pricing ($149 vs $1166), Core i3-10100T was $1017 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100T delivers 49.0 pts/$ vs 6.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 v4 — making the Core i3-10100T the 154.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10100T	Xeon E5-1620 v4
MSRP	$149-87%	$1166
Performance per Dollar	49.0+678%	6.3
Release Date	2020	2016

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