Xeon X3480 vs Core i3-6100E
Xeon X3480
Core i3-6100E
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 X3480 is positioned at rank 981 and the Core i3-6100E is on rank 902, so the Core i3-6100E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-6100E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($48) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-6100E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+5%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($48) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 X3480 and Core i3-6100E
Xeon X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.
Core i3-6100E
The Core i3-6100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,315 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Xeon X3480 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-6100E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X3480 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E — a 32% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480. The Xeon X3480 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-6100E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X3480 scores 3,327 against the Core i3-6100E's 3,315 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X3480. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-6100E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.73 GHz+38% | 2.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.06 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 3,327 | 3,315 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon X3480) / true (Core i3-6100E). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-6100E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X3480 launched at $612 MSRP, while the Core i3-6100E debuted at $225. At current prices ($48 vs $50), the Xeon X3480 is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X3480 delivers 69.3 pts/$ vs 66.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-6100E — making the Xeon X3480 the 4.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-6100E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $612 | $225-63% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $48-4% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.3+5% | 66.3 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2015 |
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