CPU
GPU
Core i5-7500
Xeon E3-1275L v3
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-7500 is positioned at rank 573 and the Xeon E3-1275L v3 is on rank 650, so the Core i5-7500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7500
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1275L v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+123%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7500 and Xeon E3-1275L v3
Core i5-7500
The Core i5-7500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,362 points. Launch price was $202.
Xeon E3-1275L v3
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,327 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i5-7500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1275L v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-7500 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-7500 scores 6,362 against the Xeon E3-1275L v3's 6,327 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-7500. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7500 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+26% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | — |
| PassMark | 6,362 | 6,327 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7500 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — the Core i5-7500 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 200 series,Intel 100 series (Core i5-7500) and C220,C226 (Xeon E3-1275L v3).
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7500) and Intel HD Graphics P4600 (Xeon E3-1275L v3) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7500 targets Desktop, Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics P4600 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Low Power Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7500 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 debuted at $350. At current prices ($65 vs $29), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 is $36 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7500 delivers 97.9 pts/$ vs 218.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 76.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199-43% | $350 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65 | $29-55% |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.9 | 218.2+123% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2014 |
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