CPU
GPU
N100
Xeon E3-1270
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The N100 is positioned at rank 102 and the Xeon E3-1270 is on rank 684, so the N100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar N100
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1270
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | N100 | Xeon E3-1270 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($128) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | N100 | Xeon E3-1270 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+39%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($128) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of N100 and Xeon E3-1270
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.
Xeon E3-1270
The Xeon E3-1270 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $369.
Processing Power
The N100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1270's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the N100 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1270 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1270. The Xeon E3-1270 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the N100 scores 5,355 against the Xeon E3-1270's 5,376 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1270. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1270.
| Feature | N100 | Xeon E3-1270 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | — | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,355 | 5,376 |
Memory & Platform
The N100 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1270 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | N100 | Xeon E3-1270 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The N100 launched at $128 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1270 debuted at $330. At current prices ($128 vs $178), the N100 is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the N100 delivers 41.8 pts/$ vs 30.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1270 — making the N100 the 32.3% better value option.
| Feature | N100 | Xeon E3-1270 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $128-61% | $330 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $128-28% | $178 |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.8+38% | 30.2 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2011 |
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