Core i3-8350K vs Xeon E3-1265L v4

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 i3-8350K vs Xeon E3-1265L v4 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 i3-8350K vs Xeon E3-1265L v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8350K

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $167 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
✅Delivers 65.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.6 vs 16.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,911 vs 6,954).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1265L v4, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
❌160% higher power demand at 91W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1265L v4 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1265L v4

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅Draws 35W instead of 91W, a 56W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics P6300, while Core i3-8350K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.7 vs 27.6 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8350K better than Xeon E3-1265L v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1265L v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-8350K 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, Xeon E3-1265L v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-8350K is the better buy right now. Core i3-8350K comes in $167 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1265L v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 65.8% better value on MSRP (27.6 vs 16.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8350K vs Xeon E3-1265L v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8350K

The Core i3-8350K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,911 points. Launch price was $168.

Xeon E3-1265L v4

The Xeon E3-1265L v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 6,954 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1265L v4's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-8350K versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1265L v4 — a 19.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-8350K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-8350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1265L v4 uses Broadwell-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8350K scores 6,911 against the Xeon E3-1265L v4's 6,954 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E3-1265L v4. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8350K vs 6 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1265L v4.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Xeon E3-1265L v4
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz+21%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+74%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Broadwell-DT (2015)
PassMark	6,911	6,954
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	4,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1265L v4 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Xeon E3-1265L v4
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-8350K) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1265L v4). The Xeon E3-1265L v4 includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics P6300), while the Core i3-8350K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1265L v4 targets Server.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Xeon E3-1265L v4
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Iris Pro Graphics P6300
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8350K was priced at $250, while the Xeon E3-1265L v4 came in at $417. On launch pricing ($250 vs $417), Core i3-8350K was $167 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8350K delivers 27.6 pts/$ vs 16.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1265L v4 — making the Core i3-8350K the 49.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Xeon E3-1265L v4
MSRP	$250-40%	$417
Performance per Dollar	27.6+65%	16.7
Release Date	2017	2015

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