Core i3-9100T vs Xeon E3-1220 v6

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 i3-9100T vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 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 i3-9100T vs Xeon E3-1220 v6: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100T

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $250 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅Delivers 205.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.9 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 72W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1220 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9100T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,589 vs 5,600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 45.9 PassMark/$ ($372 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌105.7% higher power demand at 72W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100T better than Xeon E3-1220 v6?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9100T 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 i3-9100T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.7% 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, Core i3-9100T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100T is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100T comes in $250 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $372 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 205.5% better value on MSRP (45.9 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9100T vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100T

The Core i3-9100T 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $122.

Xeon E3-1220 v6

The Xeon E3-1220 v6 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 March 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 72 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,589 points. Launch price was $193.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100T and Xeon E3-1220 v6 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100T versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100T (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-9100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100T scores 5,600 against the Xeon E3-1220 v6's 5,589 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-9100T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100T vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1220 v6.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+3%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,600	5,589

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100T was priced at $122, while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 came in at $372. On launch pricing ($122 vs $372), Core i3-9100T was $250 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100T delivers 45.9 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — making the Core i3-9100T the 101.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Xeon E3-1220 v6
MSRP	$122-67%	$372
Performance per Dollar	45.9+206%	15.0
Release Date	2019	2017

Search Core i3-9100T on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1220 v6 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.