Core i7-990X vs Xeon E3-1241 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 i7-990X vs Xeon E3-1241 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 i7-990X vs Xeon E3-1241 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 i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,135 vs 7,169).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
❌62.5% higher power demand at 130W vs 80W.

Xeon E3-1241 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $726 less on MSRP ($273 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 267.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 80W instead of 130W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1241 v3 better than Core i7-990X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1241 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-990X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1241 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1241 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1241 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1241 v3 comes in $726 cheaper on MSRP at $273 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 267.7% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1241 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-990X vs Xeon E3-1241 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Xeon E3-1241 v3

The Xeon E3-1241 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 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: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,169 points. Launch price was $273.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1241 v3 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1241 v3 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1241 v3 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1241 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Xeon E3-1241 v3's 7,169 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1241 v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1241 v3.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E3-1241 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz	3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.46 GHz	3.5 GHz+1%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,135	7,169

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1241 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E3-1241 v3
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-990X was priced at $999, while the Xeon E3-1241 v3 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($999 vs $273), Xeon E3-1241 v3 was $726 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1241 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1241 v3 the 114.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E3-1241 v3
MSRP	$999	$273-73%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	26.3+270%
Release Date	2011	2014

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