Core i3-7101E vs Xeon L5639

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 L5639 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 L5639: 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

✅Draws 54W instead of 60W, a 6W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon L5639 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5639, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Xeon L5639 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5639

2011

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,419 vs 4,430).
❌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 L5639?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5639 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 1.3% more average FPS across 42 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 0.2% 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 $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-7101E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7101E vs Xeon L5639 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 L5639

The Xeon L5639 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.133 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,419 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5639 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5639 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon L5639 — a 37.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101E (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.133 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon L5639 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the Xeon L5639's 4,419 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-7101E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5639.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Xeon L5639
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+46%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+83%	2.133 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	12 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,430	4,419
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 L5639 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	Xeon L5639
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E) / not specified (Xeon L5639). The Core i3-7101E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon L5639 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.