Core i3-8145U vs Xeon E5-1607

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 i3-8145U vs Xeon E5-1607 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 i3-8145U vs Xeon E5-1607: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8145U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 130W, a 115W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 620, while Xeon E5-1607 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1607 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,781 vs 3,788).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1607, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5-1607

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌766.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8145U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1607 better than Core i3-8145U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1607 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-8145U 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 E5-1607 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.6% 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, Xeon E5-1607 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon E5-1607 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5-1607 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-8145U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8145U vs Xeon E5-1607 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8145U

The Core i3-8145U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,781 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon E5-1607

The Xeon E5-1607 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 3,788 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8145U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-1607 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-1607 has 2 more cores. The Core i3-8145U is built on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-8145U scores 3,781 against the Xeon E5-1607's 3,788 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-1607. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8145U vs 10 MB on the Xeon E5-1607.

Feature	Core i3-8145U	Xeon E5-1607
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3 GHz+43%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	10 MB+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	—
PassMark	3,781	3,788

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8145U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1607 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8145U	Xeon E5-1607
Socket	FCBGA1528	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8145U) / not specified (Xeon E5-1607). The Core i3-8145U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 620), while the Xeon E5-1607 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8145U targets Mobile.