N100 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3

Intel

N100

4 Cores4 Thrd6 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2023
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v3

4 Cores4 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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N100 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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.

N100 vs Xeon E3-1225 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.

N100 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

N100

2023

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $96 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Delivers 76.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 41.8 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Draws 6W instead of 84W, a 78W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1150 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1225 v3, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1225 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while N100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,324 vs 5,355).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 41.8 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).
  • 1300% higher power demand at 84W vs 6W.
  • Older platform position on LGA1150 with DDR4, while N100 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is N100 better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while N100 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, N100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
N100 is the better buy right now. N100 comes in $96 cheaper on MSRP at $128 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1225 v3 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 76.0% better value on MSRP (41.8 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
N100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2013), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1150, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

N100 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

N100

The N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,355 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v3

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.

Processing Power

Both the N100 and Xeon E3-1225 v3 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the N100 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v3. The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is built on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. In PassMark, the N100 scores 5,355 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 0.6% lead for the N100. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3.

FeatureN100Xeon E3-1225 v3
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
5,355
5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,108
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,324
🧠

Memory & Platform

The N100 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureN100Xeon E3-1225 v3
Socket
FCBGA1264
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (N100) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the N100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

FeatureN100Xeon E3-1225 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the N100 was priced at $128, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($128 vs $224), N100 was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the N100 delivers 41.8 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the N100 the 55.1% better value option.

FeatureN100Xeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP
$128-43%
$224
Performance per Dollar
41.8+76%
23.8
Release Date
2023
2013

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