Core i3-6100E vs Xeon X3470

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 i3-6100E vs Xeon X3470 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 i3-6100E vs Xeon X3470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100E

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $364 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
✅Delivers 159.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 5.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, while Xeon X3470 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3470 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,315 vs 3,341).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3470, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3470

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.7 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X3470 better than Core i3-6100E?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3470 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-6100E 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 X3470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.6% 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 X3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X3470 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X3470 comes in 161.8% more expensive on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6100E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 159.7% better value on paper (14.7 vs 5.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-6100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100E vs Xeon X3470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100E

The Core i3-6100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,315 points. Launch price was $225.

Xeon X3470

The Xeon X3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,341 points. Launch price was $589.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X3470 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X3470 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X3470 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X3470. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X3470 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Xeon X3470's 3,341 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon X3470. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3470.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon X3470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
Base Clock	—	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,315	3,341

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-6100E) / not specified (Xeon X3470). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon X3470 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon X3470
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100E was priced at $225, while the Xeon X3470 came in at $589. On launch pricing ($225 vs $589), Core i3-6100E was $364 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100E delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 5.7 pts/$ for the Xeon X3470 — making the Core i3-6100E the 88.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Xeon X3470
MSRP	$225-62%	$589
Performance per Dollar	14.7+158%	5.7
Release Date	2015	2009

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