Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v5

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 v5 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 v5: 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: +19.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1225 v5 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1225 v5

2015

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Microsoft SQ1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,953 vs 6,039).

Quick Answers

So, is Microsoft SQ1 better than Xeon E3-1225 v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v5 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 19.3% 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, Microsoft SQ1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% 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 $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E3-1225 v5 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 v5

The Xeon E3-1225 v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,953 points. Launch price was $224.

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Processing Power

The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1225 v5 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v5 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v5. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Xeon E3-1225 v5's 5,953 — a 1.4% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v5.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Xeon E3-1225 v5
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.7 GHz+23%
Base Clock	—	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	6,039+1%	5,953