Core i3-12100F vs Xeon E-2246G

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 i3-12100F vs Xeon E-2246G 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 i3-12100F vs Xeon E-2246G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-12100F

2022

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $214 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $311 MSRP).
✅Delivers 224.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 144.1 vs 44.5 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $311 MSRP).
✅Draws 58W instead of 80W, a 22W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E-2246G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E-2246G, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E-2246G

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,832 vs 13,979).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 44.5 vs 144.1 PassMark/$ ($311 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).
❌37.9% higher power demand at 80W vs 58W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i3-12100F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12100F better than Xeon E-2246G?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2246G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-12100F is the better buy right now. Core i3-12100F comes in $214 cheaper on MSRP at $97 MSRP versus $311 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E-2246G is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 12.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 224.0% better value on MSRP (144.1 vs 44.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-12100F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-12100F vs Xeon E-2246G Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100F

The Core i3-12100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 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): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,979 points. Launch price was $97.

Xeon E-2246G

The Xeon E-2246G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,832 points. Launch price was $311.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-12100F packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E-2246G offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E-2246G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon E-2246G — a 11% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2246G (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-12100F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E-2246G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100F scores 13,979 against the Xeon E-2246G's 13,832 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-12100F. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Xeon E-2246G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
PassMark	13,979+1%	13,832

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-12100F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E-2246G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Xeon E-2246G
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-12100F was priced at $97, while the Xeon E-2246G came in at $311. On launch pricing ($97 vs $311), Core i3-12100F was $214 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100F delivers 144.1 pts/$ vs 44.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2246G — making the Core i3-12100F the 105.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Xeon E-2246G
MSRP	$97-69%	$311
Performance per Dollar	144.1+224%	44.5
Release Date	2022	2019

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