Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $576 less on MSRP ($309 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 185.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 87W, a 52W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E3-1290 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1290 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,323 vs 6,354).
❌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: +20.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
❌148.6% higher power demand at 87W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300T.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Core i3-9300T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1290 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9300T 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 E3-1290 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.5% 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 E3-1290 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in 186.4% more expensive on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9300T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 6,323 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-9300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9300T vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

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 i3-9300T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T scores 6,323 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290 v2.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.1 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.7 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,323	6,354
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,265	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300T 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 i3-9300T	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 i3-9300T) / not specified (Xeon E3-1290 v2). The Core i3-9300T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300T was priced at $309, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($309 vs $885), Core i3-9300T was $576 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300T delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Core i3-9300T the 96.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP	$309-65%	$885
Performance per Dollar	20.5+185%	7.2
Release Date	2019	2012

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