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 i5-7640X vs Xeon E3-1245 v3 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 i5-7640X vs Xeon E3-1245 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7640X

2017

Why buy it

✅+18% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $241 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $490 MSRP).
✅Delivers 97.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.4 vs 14.4 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $490 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (3,726 vs 3,820).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1245 v3, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌33.3% higher power demand at 112W vs 84W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1245 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1245 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+2.5% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 84W instead of 112W, a 28W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while Core i5-7640X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,203 vs 1,419).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.4 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($490 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7640X better than Xeon E3-1245 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-7640X 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 E3-1245 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 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?

Core i5-7640X is the better buy right now. Core i5-7640X comes in $241 cheaper on MSRP at $249 MSRP versus $490 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1245 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.5% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 97.5% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 14.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7640X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7640X vs Xeon E3-1245 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7640X

The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

Xeon E3-1245 v3

The Xeon E3-1245 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $320.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1245 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — a 10% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Xeon E3-1245 v3's 7,036 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-7640X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,419 vs 1,203, a 16.5% lead for the Core i5-7640X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,726 vs 3,820 (2.5% advantage for the Xeon E3-1245 v3). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1245 v3.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+11%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+18%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,060	7,036
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419+18%	1,203
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726	3,820+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — the Core i5-7640X supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7640X supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i5-7640X) and LGA1150 (Xeon E3-1245 v3).

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7640X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1245 v3). The Xeon E3-1245 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon E3-1245 v3
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Xeon E3-1245 v3 came in at $490. On launch pricing ($249 vs $490), Core i5-7640X was $241 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 14.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1245 v3 — making the Core i5-7640X the 65.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon E3-1245 v3
MSRP	$249-49%	$490
Performance per Dollar	28.4+97%	14.4
Release Date	2017	2013

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