Core i3-4030U vs Xeon E5345

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 i3-4030U vs Xeon E5345 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 i3-4030U vs Xeon E5345: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5345, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Xeon E5345 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5345

2006

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,868 vs 1,876).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4030U better than Xeon E5345?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5345 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4030U 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 i3-4030U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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 i3-4030U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4030U is the better buy right now. Core i3-4030U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4030U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4030U vs Xeon E5345 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon E5345

The Xeon E5345 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,868 points. Launch price was $851.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4030U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5345 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5345 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4030U versus 0.33 GHz on the Xeon E5345 — a 140.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-4030U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.33 GHz). The Core i3-4030U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5345 uses Clovertown (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4030U scores 1,876 against the Xeon E5345's 1,868 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4030U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4030U vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5345.

Feature	Core i3-4030U	Xeon E5345
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz+476%	0.33 GHz
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.33 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB L2 Cache+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB (total)+700%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,876	1,868

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4030U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5345 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.