Core i5-1035G1 vs Xeon E3-1246 v3

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 i5-1035G1 vs Xeon E3-1246 v3 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 i5-1035G1 vs Xeon E3-1246 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1035G1

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 84W, a 69W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics G1, while Xeon E3-1246 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,174 vs 7,228).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1246 v3

2014

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $667 MSRP, while Core i5-1035G1 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌460% higher power demand at 84W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1035G1 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1246 v3 better than Core i5-1035G1?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1246 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-1035G1 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 E3-1246 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 E3-1246 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% 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?

Xeon E3-1246 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1246 v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $667 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1035G1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1035G1 vs Xeon E3-1246 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1035G1

The Core i5-1035G1 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1526. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,174 points. Launch price was $297.

Xeon E3-1246 v3

The Xeon E3-1246 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,228 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-1035G1 and Xeon E3-1246 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-1035G1 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 — a 8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1246 v3 (base: 1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-1035G1 is built on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-1035G1 scores 7,174 against the Xeon E3-1246 v3's 7,228 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E3-1246 v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-1035G1 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1246 v3.

Feature	Core i5-1035G1	Xeon E3-1246 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz+8%
Base Clock	1 GHz	3.5 GHz+250%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake (Client) (2019)	—
PassMark	7,174	7,228
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,800	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1035G1 uses the FCBGA1526 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1246 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-1035G1	Xeon E3-1246 v3
Socket	FCBGA1526	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	—
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 i5-1035G1) / not specified (Xeon E3-1246 v3). The Core i5-1035G1 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics G1), while the Xeon E3-1246 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1035G1 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-1035G1 rivals Ryzen 5 4500U.