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 i5-4590T vs Xeon E3-1260L 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 i5-4590T vs Xeon E3-1260L: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $102 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.2 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1260L needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1260L across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,064 vs 4,076).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1260L, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1260L

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+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 PassMark per dollar, at 13.9 vs 21.2 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590T.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1260L better than Core i5-4590T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1260L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4590T 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 E3-1260L is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.0% 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 E3-1260L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1260L is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1260L comes in 53.1% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 52.7% better value on paper (21.2 vs 13.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4590T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590T vs Xeon E3-1260L Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

Xeon E3-1260L

The Xeon E3-1260L 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,076 points. Launch price was $150.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1260L's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1260L — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1260L (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-4590T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1260L uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590T scores 4,064 against the Xeon E3-1260L's 4,076 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1260L. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1260L.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Xeon E3-1260L
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,064	4,076
Geekbench 6 Single	917	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1260L uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Xeon E3-1260L
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 i5-4590T) / not specified (Xeon E3-1260L). The Core i5-4590T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1260L requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Xeon E3-1260L
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
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 i5-4590T was priced at $192, while the Xeon E3-1260L came in at $294. On launch pricing ($192 vs $294), Core i5-4590T was $102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590T delivers 21.2 pts/$ vs 13.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1260L — making the Core i5-4590T the 41.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	Xeon E3-1260L
MSRP	$192-35%	$294
Performance per Dollar	21.2+53%	13.9
Release Date	2014	2011

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