Core i5-4590 vs Xeon E3-1240

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 i5-4590 vs Xeon E3-1240 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 i5-4590 vs Xeon E3-1240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $81 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Delivers 42.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1240, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1240

2011

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.
✅Draws 80W instead of 84W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,361 vs 5,376).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590 better than Xeon E3-1240?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4590 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4590 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 i5-4590 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590 comes in $81 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $273 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 42.6% better value on MSRP (28.0 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) 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 i5-4590 vs Xeon E3-1240 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590

The Core i5-4590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.

Xeon E3-1240

The Xeon E3-1240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,361 points. Launch price was $209.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1240's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Xeon E3-1240's 5,361 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4590. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1240.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon E3-1240
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,376	5,361
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon E3-1240
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590) / not specified (Xeon E3-1240). The Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon E3-1240
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590 was priced at $192, while the Xeon E3-1240 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($192 vs $273), Core i5-4590 was $81 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1240 — making the Core i5-4590 the 35.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon E3-1240
MSRP	$192-30%	$273
Performance per Dollar	28.0+43%	19.6
Release Date	2014	2011

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