Core i3-8100T vs Xeon E3-1230L v3

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 i3-8100T vs Xeon E3-1230L v3 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 i3-8100T vs Xeon E3-1230L v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100T

2018

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E3-1230L v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1230L v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,257 vs 5,297).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1230L v3, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230L v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1230L v3

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230L v3 better than Core i3-8100T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230L v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-8100T 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 E3-1230L v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.0% 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 E3-1230L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1230L v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1230L v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (44.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100T vs Xeon E3-1230L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100T

The Core i3-8100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,257 points. Launch price was $117.

Xeon E3-1230L v3

The Xeon E3-1230L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,297 points. Launch price was $289.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8100T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1230L v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-8100T versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230L v3 — a 10.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100T (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-8100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100T scores 5,257 against the Xeon E3-1230L v3's 5,297 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1230L v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100T vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230L v3.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Xeon E3-1230L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+11%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+72%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,257	5,297

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Xeon E3-1230L v3
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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 (Core i3-8100T) / not specified (Xeon E3-1230L v3). The Core i3-8100T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1230L v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100T targets Desktop.