Core i3-12100 vs Xeon E5-2673 v2

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 i3-12100 vs Xeon E5-2673 v2 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 i3-12100 vs Xeon E5-2673 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-12100

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 60W instead of 110W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 730, while Xeon E5-2673 v2 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5-2673 v2.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (12,315 vs 12,331).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2673 v2, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $122 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2673 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2673 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌83.3% higher power demand at 110W vs 60W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2011, while Core i3-12100 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-12100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-12100.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12100 better than Xeon E5-2673 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2673 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-12100 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 E5-2673 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i3-12100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-12100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $122 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2673 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (100.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-12100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2013) and a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-12100 vs Xeon E5-2673 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100

The Core i3-12100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,315 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2673 v2

The Xeon E5-2673 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 12,331 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-12100 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2673 v2 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2673 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E5-2673 v2 — a 7.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-12100 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-12100 is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-12100 scores 12,315 against the Xeon E5-2673 v2's 12,331 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2673 v2. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100 vs 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2673 v2.

Feature	Core i3-12100	Xeon E5-2673 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+7%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB+108%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	—
PassMark	12,315	12,331
Geekbench 6 Single	2,157	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-12100 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-2673 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-12100	Xeon E5-2673 v2
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100) / not specified (Xeon E5-2673 v2). The Core i3-12100 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Xeon E5-2673 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100 targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.