Core i3-9100E vs Xeon Silver 4112

Intel

Core i3-9100E

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Silver 4112

4 Cores8 Thrd85 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i3-9100E vs Xeon Silver 4112 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i3-9100E vs Xeon Silver 4112 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 i3-9100E vs Xeon Silver 4112: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100E

2018

Why buy it

  • +0% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $683 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
  • Delivers 338.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.4 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 85W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Silver 4112 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8.3 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Silver 4112, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon Silver 4112

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +37.5% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,536 vs 6,539).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.4 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).
  • 30.8% higher power demand at 85W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100E better than Xeon Silver 4112?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Silver 4112 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9100E is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-9100E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-9100E is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100E comes in $683 cheaper on MSRP at $202 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon Silver 4112 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 338.3% better value on MSRP (32.4 vs 7.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9100E vs Xeon Silver 4112 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-9100E

The Core i3-9100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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 3.7 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: 6,539 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon Silver 4112

The Xeon Silver 4112 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,536 points. Launch price was $473.

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon Silver 4112's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100E versus 3 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4112 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100E (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-9100E uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Silver 4112 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100E scores 6,539 against the Xeon Silver 4112's 6,536 — a 0% lead for the Core i3-9100E. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100E vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon Silver 4112.

FeatureCore i3-9100EXeon Silver 4112
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+23%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+19%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8.25 MB+38%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+6300%
4 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
6,539
6,536
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Silver 4112 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-9100EXeon Silver 4112
Socket
LGA1151
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100E was priced at $202, while the Xeon Silver 4112 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($202 vs $885), Core i3-9100E was $683 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100E delivers 32.4 pts/$ vs 7.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Silver 4112 — making the Core i3-9100E the 125.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-9100EXeon Silver 4112
MSRP
$202-77%
$885
Performance per Dollar
32.4+338%
7.4
Release Date
2018
2017

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