Core i3-3250 vs Xeon L7455

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.

Core i3-3250 vs Xeon L7455 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.

Core i3-3250 vs Xeon L7455: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3250

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L7455 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,460 vs 2,494).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Xeon L7455 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L7455

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L7455 better than Core i3-3250?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L7455 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3250 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 L7455 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.9% 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 L7455 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon L7455 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L7455 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3250 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i3-3250 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250 vs Xeon L7455 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3250

The Core i3-3250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $138.

Xeon L7455

The Xeon L7455 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,494 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3250 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3250 scores 2,460 against the Xeon L7455's 2,494 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon L7455. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L7455.

Feature	Core i3-3250	Xeon L7455
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+64%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,460	2,494+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L7455 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.