FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1245

AMD

FX-8300

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1245

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······

FX-8300 vs Xeon E3-1245 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 E3-1245 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 E3-1245: 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: +12.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,333 vs 5,346).
  • Launch MSRP is still $197 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1245 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1245

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8300 better than Xeon E3-1245?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 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 E3-1245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $197 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1245 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (27.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
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 E3-1245 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 E3-1245

The Xeon E3-1245 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,346 points. Launch price was $350.

Processing Power

The FX-8300 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1245 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 E3-1245 — 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 E3-1245 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8300 scores 5,333 against the Xeon E3-1245's 5,346 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1245.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1245
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
5,346
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8300 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureFX-8300Xeon E3-1245
Socket
AM3+
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0