Core i3-10105 vs Xeon E5-2665

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 i3-10105 vs Xeon E5-2665 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 i3-10105 vs Xeon E5-2665: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10105

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 115W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2665 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,242 vs 8,293).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2665, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $122 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2665 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2665

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌76.9% higher power demand at 115W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10105 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10105 better than Xeon E5-2665?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2665 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-10105 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, Xeon E5-2665 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i3-10105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-10105 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $122 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2665 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (67.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-10105 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10105 vs Xeon E5-2665 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10105

The Core i3-10105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,242 points. Launch price was $122.

Xeon E5-2665

The Xeon E5-2665 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,293 points. Launch price was $142.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10105 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2665 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2665 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10105 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2665 — a 34.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-10105 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-10105 uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2665 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10105 scores 8,242 against the Xeon E5-2665's 8,293 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2665. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10105 vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2665.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Xeon E5-2665
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+42%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+54%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	8,242	8,293

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10105 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2665 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10105 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2665 — the Core i3-10105 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2665 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-10105) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2665). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-10105) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2665) — the Xeon E5-2665 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Xeon E5-2665
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	384 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon E5-2665 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-10105 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2665 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-10105 targets Desktop, Xeon E5-2665 targets Server.