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 i3-9300 vs Xeon E3-1245 v3 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 i3-9300 vs Xeon E3-1245 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300

2019

Why buy it

✅+24.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $347 less on MSRP ($143 MSRP vs $490 MSRP).
✅Delivers 246.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.7 vs 14.4 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $490 MSRP).
✅Draws 62W instead of 84W, a 22W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E3-1245 v3.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1245 v3, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1245 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,203 vs 1,498).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (3,820 vs 4,025).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.4 vs 49.7 PassMark/$ ($490 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
❌35.5% higher power demand at 84W vs 62W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300 better than Xeon E3-1245 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, Core i3-9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9300 comes in $347 cheaper on MSRP at $143 MSRP versus $490 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 246.0% better value on MSRP (49.7 vs 14.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013) 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 i3-9300 vs Xeon E3-1245 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300

The Core i3-9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 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 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,105 points. Launch price was $143.

Xeon E3-1245 v3

The Xeon E3-1245 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $320.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1245 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — a 12.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-9300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300 scores 7,105 against the Xeon E3-1245 v3's 7,036 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-9300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,498 vs 1,203, a 21.8% lead for the Core i3-9300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,025 vs 3,820 (5.2% advantage for the Core i3-9300). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9300 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1245 v3.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+13%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+9%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,105	7,036
Geekbench 6 Single	1,498+25%	1,203
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,025+5%	3,820

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — the Core i3-9300 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9300 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1151 (Core i3-9300) and LGA1150 (Xeon E3-1245 v3).

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9300) and HD Graphics P4600 (Xeon E3-1245 v3) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300 was priced at $143, while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 came in at $490. On launch pricing ($143 vs $490), Core i3-9300 was $347 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300 delivers 49.7 pts/$ vs 14.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — making the Core i3-9300 the 110.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon E3-1245 v3
MSRP	$143-71%	$490
Performance per Dollar	49.7+245%	14.4
Release Date	2019	2013

Search Core i3-9300 on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1245 v3 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.