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 i3-8100 vs Xeon E5-2440 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 i3-8100 vs Xeon E5-2440: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $611 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $728 MSRP).
✅Delivers 520.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.9 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $728 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2440 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2440 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,073 vs 6,091).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2440, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5-2440

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 51.9 PassMark/$ ($728 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8100.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2440 better than Core i3-8100?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2440 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-8100 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 E5-2440 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.1% 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 E5-2440 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2440 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2440 comes in 522.2% more expensive on MSRP at $728 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8100 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 520.4% better value on paper (51.9 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i3-8100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100 vs Xeon E5-2440 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100

The Core i3-8100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,073 points. Launch price was $117.

Xeon E5-2440

The Xeon E5-2440 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,091 points. Launch price was $295.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-8100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2440 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2440 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 versus 2.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-2440 — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-8100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2440 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100 scores 6,073 against the Xeon E5-2440's 6,091 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2440. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100 vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2440.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Xeon E5-2440
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+50%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	15360 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	6,073	6,091
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,600	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2440 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Xeon E5-2440
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100) / not specified (Xeon E5-2440). The Core i3-8100 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2440 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Xeon E5-2440
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8100 was priced at $117, while the Xeon E5-2440 came in at $728. On launch pricing ($117 vs $728), Core i3-8100 was $611 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100 delivers 51.9 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2440 — making the Core i3-8100 the 144.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Xeon E5-2440
MSRP	$117-84%	$728
Performance per Dollar	51.9+518%	8.4
Release Date	2017	2012

Search Core i3-8100 on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2440 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.