Core i3-12100T vs Xeon E5-2618L v4

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 i3-12100T vs Xeon E5-2618L v4 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 i3-12100T vs Xeon E5-2618L v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-12100T

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $654 less on MSRP ($125 MSRP vs $779 MSRP).
✅Delivers 526.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 99.9 vs 16.0 PassMark/$ ($125 MSRP vs $779 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 75W, a 40W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 730, while Xeon E5-2618L v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2618L v4, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon E5-2618L v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+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 (12,429 vs 12,491).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.0 vs 99.9 PassMark/$ ($779 MSRP vs $125 MSRP).
❌114.3% higher power demand at 75W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-12100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-12100T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12100T better than Xeon E5-2618L v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2618L v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-12100T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-12100T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i3-12100T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-12100T is the better buy right now. Core i3-12100T comes in $654 cheaper on MSRP at $125 MSRP versus $779 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 526.3% better value on MSRP (99.9 vs 16.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-12100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2016), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, 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 i3-12100T vs Xeon E5-2618L v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100T

The Core i3-12100T 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,491 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2618L v4

The Xeon E5-2618L v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 75 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 12,429 points. Launch price was $779.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-12100T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2618L v4 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2618L v4 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-12100T versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2618L v4 — a 60.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-12100T. The Core i3-12100T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E5-2618L v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100T scores 12,491 against the Xeon E5-2618L v4's 12,429 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-12100T. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100T vs 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2618L v4.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Xeon E5-2618L v4
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	10 / 20+150%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+86%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB+108%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2.5 MB+100%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	12,491	12,429
Geekbench 6 Single	2,102	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100T) / not specified (Xeon E5-2618L v4). The Core i3-12100T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Xeon E5-2618L v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100T rivals Ryzen 3 5300GE.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Xeon E5-2618L v4
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 730	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-12100T was priced at $125, while the Xeon E5-2618L v4 came in at $779. On launch pricing ($125 vs $779), Core i3-12100T was $654 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100T delivers 99.9 pts/$ vs 16.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2618L v4 — making the Core i3-12100T the 144.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-12100T	Xeon E5-2618L v4
MSRP	$125-84%	$779
Performance per Dollar	99.9+524%	16.0
Release Date	2022	2016

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