Processor N100 vs Xeon E5645

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.

Processor N100 vs Xeon E5645 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.

Processor N100 vs Xeon E5645: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Processor N100

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $166 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 126.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.0 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1366 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5645 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,869 vs 4,942).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5645, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5645

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 38.0 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1366, while Processor N100 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5645 better than Processor N100?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5645 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Processor N100 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 E5645 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.6% 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 E5645 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5645 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E5645 comes in 129.7% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $128 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Processor N100 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 22.6% in the shared gaming data.

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

Processor N100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2010) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1366. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Processor N100 vs Xeon E5645 Technical Specifications

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

Processor N100

The Processor N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 4,869 points. Launch price was $128.

Xeon E5645

The Xeon E5645 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,942 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

The Processor N100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5645 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5645 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Processor N100 versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon E5645 — a 24.1% clock advantage for the Processor N100 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Processor N100 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5645 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N100 scores 4,869 against the Xeon E5645's 4,942 — a 1.5% lead for the Xeon E5645. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N100 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E5645.

Feature	Processor N100	Xeon E5645
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+27%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+2300%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,869	4,942+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Processor N100 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5645 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Processor N100	Xeon E5645
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	288 GB
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Processor N100) / VT-x (Xeon E5645). Primary use case: Xeon E5645 targets Server.

Feature	Processor N100	Xeon E5645
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Processor N100 was priced at $128, while the Xeon E5645 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($128 vs $294), Processor N100 was $166 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Processor N100 delivers 38.0 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5645 — making the Processor N100 the 77.4% better value option.

Feature	Processor N100	Xeon E5645
MSRP	$128-56%	$294
Performance per Dollar	38.0+126%	16.8
Release Date	2023	2010

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