Core i5-1145GRE vs Xeon E3-1260L v5

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 i5-1145GRE vs Xeon E3-1260L v5 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 i5-1145GRE vs Xeon E3-1260L v5: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1145GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 45W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,207 vs 8,237).
❌Launch MSRP is still $362 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1260L v5 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1260L v5

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌60.7% higher power demand at 45W vs 28W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-1145GRE better than Xeon E3-1260L v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1260L v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-1145GRE 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 E3-1260L v5 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-1145GRE is the better buy right now. Core i5-1145GRE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $362 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1260L v5 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1145GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1145GRE vs Xeon E3-1260L v5 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1145GRE

The Core i5-1145GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $362.

Xeon E3-1260L v5

The Xeon E3-1260L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 8,237 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-1145GRE and Xeon E3-1260L v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-1145GRE versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1260L v5 — a 5% clock advantage for the Core i5-1145GRE (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-1145GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E3-1260L v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1145GRE scores 8,207 against the Xeon E3-1260L v5's 8,237 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1260L v5. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-1145GRE	Xeon E3-1260L v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+5%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+93%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	8,207	8,237

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1145GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1260L v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.