FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1240

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1240 Performance Spectrum

FX-8300

8 / 8

5,333

0.0%

Athlon X4 760K

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Xeon E3-1240

4 / 8

5,361

+0.5%

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 E3-1240 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 E3-1240: 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: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($197 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
✅Delivers 37.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.1 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($197 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,333 vs 5,361).
❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Xeon E3-1240

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 27.1 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $197 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8300 better than Xeon E3-1240?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1240 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?

FX-8300 is the better buy right now. FX-8300 comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $197 MSRP versus $273 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1240 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 37.9% better value on MSRP (27.1 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-8300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1240 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E3-1240

The Xeon E3-1240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,361 points. Launch price was $209.

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Processing Power

The FX-8300 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1240 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8300 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-8300 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the FX-8300 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The FX-8300 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8300 scores 5,333 against the Xeon E3-1240's 5,361 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1240.

Feature	FX-8300	Xeon E3-1240
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+14%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8192 kB+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Vishera (2012−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,333	5,361

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Memory & Platform

The FX-8300 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	FX-8300	Xeon E3-1240
Socket	AM3+	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the FX-8300 was priced at $197, while the Xeon E3-1240 came in at $273. On launch pricing ($197 vs $273), FX-8300 was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8300 delivers 27.1 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1240 — making the FX-8300 the 31.8% better value option.

Feature	FX-8300	Xeon E3-1240
MSRP	$197-28%	$273
Performance per Dollar	27.1+38%	19.6
Release Date	2012	2011

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