N150 vs Xeon E3-1290

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.

N150 vs Xeon E3-1290 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.

N150 vs Xeon E3-1290: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

N150

2025

Why buy it

✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1290 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,418 vs 5,429).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1290, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E3-1290

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while N150 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 better than N150?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1290 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while N150 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1290 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.0% 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, Xeon E3-1290 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1290 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1290 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

N150 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2011) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

N150 vs Xeon E3-1290 Technical Specifications

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

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.