Core i3-7101E vs Xeon Bronze 3104

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 i3-7101E vs Xeon Bronze 3104 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 i3-7101E vs Xeon Bronze 3104: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7101E

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 54W instead of 85W, a 31W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon Bronze 3104 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8.3 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Bronze 3104, which brings 6 cores / 6 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Xeon Bronze 3104 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon Bronze 3104

2017

Why buy it

✅+175% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 6 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅200% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7101E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,383 vs 4,430).
❌57.4% higher power demand at 85W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7101E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7101E better than Xeon Bronze 3104?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Bronze 3104 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-7101E 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 i3-7101E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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, Core i3-7101E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7101E is the better buy right now. Core i3-7101E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon Bronze 3104 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 175% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 3 MB) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7101E vs Xeon Bronze 3104 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7101E

The Core i3-7101E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.

Xeon Bronze 3104

The Xeon Bronze 3104 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 4,383 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon Bronze 3104 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon Bronze 3104 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E versus 1.7 GHz on the Xeon Bronze 3104 — a 78.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 3.9 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Bronze 3104 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the Xeon Bronze 3104's 4,383 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-7101E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon Bronze 3104.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Xeon Bronze 3104
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 6+200%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+129%	1.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+129%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8.25 MB+175%
L2 Cache	512 kB	6 MB+1100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	4,430+1%	4,383
Geekbench 6 Single	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Bronze 3104 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101E versus 2133 on the Xeon Bronze 3104 — the Core i3-7101E supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Bronze 3104 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-7101E) vs 6 (Xeon Bronze 3104). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7101E) vs 48 (Xeon Bronze 3104) — the Xeon Bronze 3104 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C236,C232,Q170,Q270 (Core i3-7101E) and C621 (Xeon Bronze 3104).

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Xeon Bronze 3104
Socket	LGA1151	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	48+200%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Bronze 3104 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Bronze 3104). The Core i3-7101E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon Bronze 3104 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.