Core i3-6100U vs Xeon E5-2407

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 i3-6100U vs Xeon E5-2407 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 i3-6100U vs Xeon E5-2407: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,631 vs 2,659).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2407, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5-2407

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 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

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i3-6100U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2407 better than Core i3-6100U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2407 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-6100U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2407 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2407 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2407 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-6100U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100U vs Xeon E5-2407 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100U

The Core i3-6100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,631 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon E5-2407

The Xeon E5-2407 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $335.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2407 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2407 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-6100U versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2407 — a 4.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-6100U (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-6100U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100U scores 2,631 against the Xeon E5-2407's 2,659 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2407. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100U vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2407.

Feature	Core i3-6100U	Xeon E5-2407
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz+5%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+5%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	10240 kB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	2,631	2,659+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.