Core i7-8705G vs Xeon E3-1281 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 i7-8705G vs Xeon E3-1281 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 i7-8705G vs Xeon E3-1281 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 i7-8705G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $155 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $555 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.1 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $555 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 82W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E3-1281 v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,587 vs 7,633).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($555 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
❌26.2% higher power demand at 82W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8705G better than Xeon E3-1281 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1281 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8705G is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8705G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8705G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8705G comes in $155 cheaper on MSRP at $400 MSRP versus $555 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.6% better value on MSRP (19.1 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8705G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8705G vs Xeon E3-1281 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8705G

The Core i7-8705G 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 7,633 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1281 v3

The Xeon E3-1281 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): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,587 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8705G and Xeon E3-1281 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8705G versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1281 v3 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-8705G is built on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-8705G scores 7,633 against the Xeon E3-1281 v3's 7,587 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-8705G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8705G vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1281 v3.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E3-1281 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.7 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	—
PassMark	7,633	7,587

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8705G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1281 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E3-1281 v3
Socket	FCBGA2270	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8705G was priced at $400, while the Xeon E3-1281 v3 came in at $555. On launch pricing ($400 vs $555), Core i7-8705G was $155 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8705G delivers 19.1 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1281 v3 — making the Core i7-8705G the 33% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E3-1281 v3
MSRP	$400-28%	$555
Performance per Dollar	19.1+39%	13.7
Release Date	2018	2014

Search Core i7-8705G on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1281 v3 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.