Core i5-8210Y vs Xeon L3426

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 i5-8210Y vs Xeon L3426 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 i5-8210Y vs Xeon L3426: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-8210Y

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 7W instead of 45W, a 38W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (10 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 617, while Xeon L3426 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3426 across 22 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,723 vs 2,742).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3426, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon L3426

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 22 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌542.9% higher power demand at 45W vs 7W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-8210Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3426 better than Core i5-8210Y?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3426 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-8210Y 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 L3426 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% more average FPS across 22 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L3426 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon L3426 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L3426 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 22 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-8210Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8210Y vs Xeon L3426 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8210Y

The Core i5-8210Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,723 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon L3426

The Xeon L3426 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,742 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-8210Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L3426 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L3426 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-8210Y versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon L3426 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-8210Y (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i5-8210Y is built on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-8210Y scores 2,723 against the Xeon L3426's 2,742 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon L3426. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-8210Y vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3426.

Feature	Core i5-8210Y	Xeon L3426
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.86 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	4 MB	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)	—
PassMark	2,723	2,742
Geekbench 6 Single	796	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8210Y uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3426 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-8210Y	Xeon L3426
Socket	FCBGA1515	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	10	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8210Y) / not specified (Xeon L3426). The Core i5-8210Y includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 617), while the Xeon L3426 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8210Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-8210Y rivals Athlon 3050U.