Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon W3690

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.

Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon W3690 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.

Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon W3690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E-2124G

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 71W instead of 130W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.8 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($667 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Xeon W3690

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $84 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.3 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,191 vs 7,218).
❌83.1% higher power demand at 130W vs 71W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2124G better than Xeon W3690?

Yes. Xeon E-2124G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E-2124G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 E-2124G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon E-2124G is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon W3690 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E-2124G comes in 14.4% more expensive on MSRP at $667 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon W3690 is also 14.0% better value on MSRP (12.3 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E-2124G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon W3690 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E-2124G

The Xeon E-2124G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 71 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,218 points. Launch price was $213.

Xeon W3690

The Xeon W3690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,191 points. Launch price was $450.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E-2124G packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W3690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W3690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon E-2124G versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon W3690 — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2124G (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Xeon E-2124G uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3690 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E-2124G scores 7,218 against the Xeon W3690's 7,191 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E-2124G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2124G vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3690.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon W3690
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+21%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.46 GHz+2%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,218	7,191

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E-2124G uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon W3690
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E-2124G was priced at $667, while the Xeon W3690 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($667 vs $583), Xeon W3690 was $84 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E-2124G delivers 10.8 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W3690 — making the Xeon W3690 the 13.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon W3690
MSRP	$667	$583-13%
Performance per Dollar	10.8	12.3+14%
Release Date	2018	2011

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