Core i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1225 v2

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 i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 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 i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1225 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3940XM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 55W instead of 77W, a 22W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E3-1225 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,957 vs 6,015).

Xeon E3-1225 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌40% higher power demand at 77W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3940XM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3940XM better than Xeon E3-1225 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3940XM 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 E3-1225 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark.

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

Core i7-3940XM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1225 v2 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3940XM

The Core i7-3940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,957 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

The Xeon E3-1225 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 6,015 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3940XM is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-3940XM scores 5,957 against the Xeon E3-1225 v2's 6,015 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E3-1225 v2.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon E3-1225 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	—
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	5,957	6,015
Geekbench 6 Single	720	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3940XM) / not specified (Xeon E3-1225 v2). The Core i7-3940XM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1225 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3940XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3940XM rivals A10-5750M.