Core i7-1180G7 vs Xeon E3-1286 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 i7-1180G7 vs Xeon E3-1286 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 i7-1180G7 vs Xeon E3-1286 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 i7-1180G7

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 9W instead of 84W, a 75W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Xeon E3-1286 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,788 vs 7,879).

Xeon E3-1286 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1180G7 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌833.3% higher power demand at 84W vs 9W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1180G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1180G7 better than Xeon E3-1286 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1286 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-1180G7 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 E3-1286 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-1180G7 still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-1180G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-1180G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2014), 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB), and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-1180G7 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-1180G7

The Core i7-1180G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,788 points. Launch price was $426.

Xeon E3-1286 v3

The Xeon E3-1286 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,879 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-1180G7 and Xeon E3-1286 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-1180G7 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-1180G7 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-1180G7 is built on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-1180G7 scores 7,788 against the Xeon E3-1286 v3's 7,879 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1286 v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1180G7 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286 v3.

Feature	Core i7-1180G7	Xeon E3-1286 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+12%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+185%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	10 nm SuperFin-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)	—
PassMark	7,788	7,879+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,845	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1180G7 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1286 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-1180G7	Xeon E3-1286 v3
Socket	FCBGA1598	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4x-4267	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	4	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1180G7) / not specified (Xeon E3-1286 v3). The Core i7-1180G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Xeon E3-1286 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1180G7 targets Premium Ultra-Thin Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1180G7 rivals Ryzen 7 5800U.

Feature	Core i7-1180G7	Xeon E3-1286 v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	Yes	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Premium Ultra-Thin Laptop	—