Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2

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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1225 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Microsoft SQ1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,015 vs 6,039).

Quick Answers

So, is Microsoft SQ1 better than Xeon E3-1225 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Microsoft SQ1 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Microsoft SQ1 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.7% 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, Microsoft SQ1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Microsoft SQ1 is the better buy right now. Microsoft SQ1 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

The Xeon E3-1225 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 6,015 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Microsoft SQ1 is built on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Xeon E3-1225 v2's 6,015 — a 0.4% lead for the Microsoft SQ1.