Core i3-390M vs Xeon E3110

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 i3-390M vs Xeon E3110 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 i3-390M vs Xeon E3110: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-390M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Xeon E3110 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,292 vs 1,295).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Xeon E3110

2008

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $214 MSRP, while Core i3-390M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-390M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3110 better than Core i3-390M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3110 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-390M is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3110 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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, Xeon E3110 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E3110 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3110 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $214 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-390M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-390M vs Xeon E3110 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-390M

The Core i3-390M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,292 points. Launch price was $39.

Xeon E3110

The Xeon E3110 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,295 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-390M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-390M scores 1,292 against the Xeon E3110's 1,295 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3110. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-390M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E3110.

Feature	Core i3-390M	Xeon E3110
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	0.67 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	3 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,292	1,295

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-390M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3110 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-390M	Xeon E3110
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-390M) / not specified (Xeon E3110). The Core i3-390M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Xeon E3110 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-390M targets Mobile.