FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3

AMD

FX-8300

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v3

4 Cores4 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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.

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1225 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.

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

FX-8300

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +26.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $27 less on MSRP ($197 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
  • Delivers 13.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.1 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($197 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1225 v3, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1225 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
  • Draws 84W instead of 95W, a 11W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while FX-8300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,324 vs 5,333).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 27.1 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $197 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8300 better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-8300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 26.5% 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, FX-8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8300 is the better buy right now. FX-8300 comes in $27 cheaper on MSRP at $197 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 26.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 13.9% better value on MSRP (27.1 vs 23.8 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1225 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

FX-8300

The FX-8300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,333 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E3-1225 v3

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.

Processing Power

The FX-8300 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8300 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-8300 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the FX-8300 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The FX-8300 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8300 scores 5,333 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 0.2% lead for the FX-8300.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1225 v3
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+17%
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+3%
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache
8192 kB+3100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Vishera (2012−2015)
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
5,333
5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,108
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,324
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8300 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1225 v3
Socket
AM3+
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (FX-8300) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the FX-8300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1225 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-8300 was priced at $197, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($197 vs $224), FX-8300 was $27 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8300 delivers 27.1 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the FX-8300 the 13% better value option.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP
$197-12%
$224
Performance per Dollar
27.1+14%
23.8
Release Date
2012
2013

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