CPU
GPU
Xeon W-2102
Xeon E3-1235
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 Xeon W-2102 is positioned at rank 551 and the Xeon E3-1235 is on rank 607, so the Xeon W-2102 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-2102
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1235
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W-2102 | Xeon E3-1235 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($286) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W-2102 | Xeon E3-1235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($286) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
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 Xeon W-2102 and Xeon E3-1235
Xeon W-2102
The Xeon W-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,098 points. Launch price was $202.
Xeon E3-1235
The Xeon E3-1235 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,112 points. Launch price was $287.
Processing Power
The Xeon W-2102 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1235's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Xeon W-2102 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1235 — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1235 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon W-2102 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1235 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W-2102 scores 5,098 against the Xeon E3-1235's 5,112 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1235. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2102 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1235.
| Feature | Xeon W-2102 | Xeon E3-1235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.2 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 8.25 MB (total)+3% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,098 | 5,112 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W-2102 uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1235 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon W-2102 | Xeon E3-1235 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W-2102 launched at $202 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1235 debuted at $240. At current prices ($286 vs $270), the Xeon E3-1235 is $16 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W-2102 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 18.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1235 — making the Xeon E3-1235 the 6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W-2102 | Xeon E3-1235 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $202-16% | $240 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $286 | $270-6% |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.8 | 18.9+6% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2011 |
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