Core i3-8300 vs Xeon E3-1245 v2
Core i3-8300
Xeon E3-1245 v2
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8300
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1245 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($136) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($204) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($136) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($204) |
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 Core i3-8300 and Xeon E3-1245 v2
Core i3-8300
The Core i3-8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $138.
Xeon E3-1245 v2
The Xeon E3-1245 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,357 points. Launch price was $462.
Processing Power
The Core i3-8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-8300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the Xeon E3-1245 v2's 6,357 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-8300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,327 vs 659, a 67.3% lead for the Core i3-8300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+9% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 6,370 | 6,357 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,327+101% | 659 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,273 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-8300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8300 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — the Core i3-8300 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8300 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-8300) and Intel C202,Intel C204,Intel C206,Intel C216 (Xeon E3-1245 v2).
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8300) vs Yes (Xeon E3-1245 v2). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8300) and HD Graphics P4000 (Xeon E3-1245 v2) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop, Xeon E3-1245 v2 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | HD Graphics P4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-8300 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1245 v2 debuted at $273. At current prices ($136 vs $204), the Core i3-8300 is $68 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.8 pts/$ vs 31.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 — making the Core i3-8300 the 40.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Xeon E3-1245 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-49% | $273 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $136-33% | $204 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.8+50% | 31.2 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2012 |
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