Core i3-12100E vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i3-12100E vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i3-12100E vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i3-12100E

2022

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 60W instead of 130W, a 70W 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 E5-2690 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2690 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690 v2, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon E5-2690 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,377 vs 13,535).
❌116.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 60W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2011, while Core i3-12100E moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-12100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12100E better than Xeon E5-2690 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-12100E 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, Core i3-12100E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-12100E still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-12100E comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-12100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2013), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-12100E vs Xeon E5-2690 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100E

The Core i3-12100E 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,535 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2690 v2

The Xeon E5-2690 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 13,377 points. Launch price was $2,697.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-12100E packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 v2 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 v2 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-12100E versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v2 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-12100E (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-12100E uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100E scores 13,535 against the Xeon E5-2690 v2's 13,377 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-12100E. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100E vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690 v2.

Feature	Core i3-12100E	Xeon E5-2690 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	10 / 20+150%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+17%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	13,535+1%	13,377
Geekbench 6 Single	1,594	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-12100E uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-12100E	Xeon E5-2690 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	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100E) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v2). The Core i3-12100E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Xeon E5-2690 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100E rivals Ryzen Embedded V3000 Series.