CPU
GPU
N150
Xeon E3-1290
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The N150 is positioned at rank 98 and the Xeon E3-1290 is on rank 525, so the N150 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar N150
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | N150 | Xeon E3-1290 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | N150 | Xeon E3-1290 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of N150 and Xeon E3-1290
N150
The N150 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,418 points. Launch price was $149.
Xeon E3-1290
The Xeon E3-1290 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 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: 5,429 points. Launch price was $885.
Processing Power
The N150 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1290's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the N150 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290. The Xeon E3-1290 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the N150 scores 5,418 against the Xeon E3-1290's 5,429 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1290. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N150 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290.
| Feature | N150 | Xeon E3-1290 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | — | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,418 | 5,429 |
Memory & Platform
The N150 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | N150 | Xeon E3-1290 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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