CPU
GPU
Core i3-6100E
Xeon X3480
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. The Core i3-6100E is positioned at rank 902 and the Xeon X3480 is on rank 981, so the Core i3-6100E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100E
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6100E | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6100E | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($48) |
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 i3-6100E and Xeon X3480
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 X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X3480 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X3480 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 32% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X3480. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.73 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.06 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 | 3,327 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i3-6100E) / not specified (Xeon X3480). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-6100E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Xeon X3480 debuted at $612. At current prices ($50 vs $48), the Xeon X3480 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100E delivers 66.3 pts/$ vs 69.3 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Xeon X3480 the 4.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | Xeon X3480 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-63% | $612 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $48-4% |
| Performance per Dollar | 66.3 | 69.3+5% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2010 |
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