Core i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $338 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1286 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌19% higher power demand at 100W vs 84W.

Xeon E3-1286 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 84W instead of 100W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,879 vs 7,934).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8709G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8709G comes in at an unclear MSRP at $338 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G 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: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8709G and Xeon E3-1286 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-8709G is built on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-8709G scores 7,934 against the Xeon E3-1286 v3's 7,879 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-8709G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8709G vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286 v3.

Feature	Core i7-8709G	Xeon E3-1286 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	7,934	7,879

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8709G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1286 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.