Core i3-8300 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2

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 i3-8300 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 i3-8300 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8300

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $747 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 542.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.2 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 62W instead of 87W, a 25W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1290 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1290 v2, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,354 vs 6,370).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 46.2 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌40.3% higher power demand at 87W vs 62W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8300 better than Xeon E3-1290 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1290 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-8300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-8300 comes in $747 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1290 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 542.9% better value on MSRP (46.2 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-8300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8300 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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 E3-1290 v2

The Xeon E3-1290 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-8300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-8300. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4.1 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 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	6,354
Geekbench 6 Single	1,327	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8300) / not specified (Xeon E3-1290 v2). The Core i3-8300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8300 was priced at $138, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($138 vs $885), Core i3-8300 was $747 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Core i3-8300 the 146.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Xeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP	$138-84%	$885
Performance per Dollar	46.2+542%	7.2
Release Date	2018	2012

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