Core i5-8305G vs Xeon E3-1230 v3

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 i5-8305G vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i5-8305G vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i5-8305G

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,801 vs 6,837).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1230 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-8305G better than Xeon E3-1230 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-8305G 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 E3-1230 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% 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?

Core i5-8305G is the better buy right now. Core i5-8305G comes in at an unclear MSRP at $350 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1230 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-8305G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8305G vs Xeon E3-1230 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8305G

The Core i5-8305G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 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: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,801 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1230 v3

The Xeon E3-1230 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,837 points. Launch price was $240.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-8305G and Xeon E3-1230 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-8305G versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 v3 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-8305G (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-8305G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1230 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8305G scores 6,801 against the Xeon E3-1230 v3's 6,837 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8305G vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230 v3.

Feature	Core i5-8305G	Xeon E3-1230 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+3%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.3 GHz+18%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,801	6,837

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8305G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1230 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.