Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1230L v3

Intel

Core i3-1115G4E

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1230L v3

4 Cores8 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1230L v3 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1230L v3 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 i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1230L v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1115G4E

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 25W, a 10W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU), while Xeon E3-1230L v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1230L v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,231 vs 5,297).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1230L v3, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $213 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230L v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1230L v3

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 66.7% higher power demand at 25W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1115G4E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230L v3 better than Core i3-1115G4E?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230L v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-1115G4E 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 E3-1230L v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.1% 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 E3-1230L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1230L v3 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E3-1230L v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-1115G4E only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 14.1% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1115G4E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1230L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1115G4E

The Core i3-1115G4E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 5,231 points. Launch price was $285.

Intel

Xeon E3-1230L v3

The Xeon E3-1230L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,297 points. Launch price was $289.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1115G4E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E3-1230L v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115G4E versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230L v3 — a 32.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115G4E (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-1115G4E uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115G4E scores 5,231 against the Xeon E3-1230L v3's 5,297 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1230L v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115G4E vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230L v3.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1230L v3
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+39%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz+22%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
256 kB (per core)
Process
10 nm-55%
22 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
5,231
5,297+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,506
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115G4E uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1230L v3
Socket
FCBGA1449
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
4
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1115G4E) / not specified (Xeon E3-1230L v3). The Core i3-1115G4E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1115G4E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-1115G4E rivals Ryzen Embedded V2516.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1230L v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded