Core i3-9350K vs Xeon E3-1545M v5

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 i3-9350K vs Xeon E3-1545M v5 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 i3-9350K vs Xeon E3-1545M v5: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9350K

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $397 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $581 MSRP).
✅Delivers 213.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 41.3 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $581 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,596 vs 7,640).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1545M v5, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌102.2% higher power demand at 91W vs 45W.

Xeon E3-1545M v5

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 91W, a 46W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 41.3 PassMark/$ ($581 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9350K better than Xeon E3-1545M v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1545M v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9350K 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, Xeon E3-1545M v5 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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?

Core i3-9350K is the better buy right now. Core i3-9350K comes in $397 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $581 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1545M v5 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 213.9% better value on MSRP (41.3 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9350K vs Xeon E3-1545M v5 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9350K

The Core i3-9350K 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,596 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1545M v5

The Xeon E3-1545M v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,640 points. Launch price was $679.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1545M v5's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i3-9350K versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1545M v5 — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i3-9350K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-9350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1545M v5 uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9350K scores 7,596 against the Xeon E3-1545M v5's 7,640 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E3-1545M v5. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9350K vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1545M v5.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Xeon E3-1545M v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+21%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+38%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,596	7,640

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1545M v5 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Xeon E3-1545M v5
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9350K was priced at $184, while the Xeon E3-1545M v5 came in at $581. On launch pricing ($184 vs $581), Core i3-9350K was $397 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9350K delivers 41.3 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1545M v5 — making the Core i3-9350K the 103.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Xeon E3-1545M v5
MSRP	$184-68%	$581
Performance per Dollar	41.3+215%	13.1
Release Date	2019	2016

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