CPU
GPU
Core i3-12100F
Xeon E-2246G
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100F
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E-2246G
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Xeon E-2246G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Xeon E-2246G |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+201%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-12100F and Xeon E-2246G
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.
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 |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12100F launched at $97 MSRP, while the Xeon E-2246G debuted at $311. At current prices ($90 vs $268), the Core i3-12100F is $178 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100F delivers 155.3 pts/$ vs 51.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2246G — making the Core i3-12100F the 100.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Xeon E-2246G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $97-69% | $311 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90-66% | $268 |
| Performance per Dollar | 155.3+201% | 51.6 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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