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 i3-9300T vs Xeon E5-2640 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 i3-9300T vs Xeon E5-2640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $576 less on MSRP ($309 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 187.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2640, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2640

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,305 vs 6,323).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300T better than Xeon E5-2640?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-9300T comes in $576 cheaper on MSRP at $309 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2640 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 18.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 187.2% better value on MSRP (20.5 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9300T vs Xeon E5-2640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

Xeon E5-2640

The Xeon E5-2640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,305 points. Launch price was $162.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9300T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2640 — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300T (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-9300T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300T scores 6,323 against the Xeon E5-2640's 6,305 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-9300T. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2640.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E5-2640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+27%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+28%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	6,323	6,305
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,265	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300T versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2640 — the Core i3-9300T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2640 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-9300T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-9300T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2640) — the Xeon E5-2640 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E5-2640
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-9300T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2640). The Core i3-9300T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop, Xeon E5-2640 targets Server.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E5-2640
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300T was priced at $309, while the Xeon E5-2640 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($309 vs $885), Core i3-9300T was $576 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300T delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2640 — making the Core i3-9300T the 96.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E5-2640
MSRP	$309-65%	$885
Performance per Dollar	20.5+189%	7.1
Release Date	2019	2012

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