Processor N97 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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290

#1

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

7655%

#6

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

1445%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

1284%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

992%

#323

EPYC 9224

MSRP: $1825|Avg: $1199

98%

#324

Xeon Gold 6423N

MSRP: $2161|Avg: $2161

98%

#325

Xeon w7-3565X

MSRP: $2689|Avg: $2850

97%

#326

Xeon W-1290TE

MSRP: $552|Avg: $552

97%

#328

Xeon w7-2495X

MSRP: $2189|Avg: $2900

96%

#329

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX

MSRP: $4099|Avg: $4182

95%

#525

Xeon E3-1290

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#535

Xeon E3-1241 v3

MSRP: $273|Avg: $27

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Processor N97 (2023) utilizes 10 nm technology and **DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel**, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Processor N97	Xeon E3-1290
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon E3-1290 (2011) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Processor N97	Xeon E3-1290
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Processor N97 Benchmark Check

Xeon E3-1290 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Processor N97 and Xeon E3-1290

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 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 Processor N97 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1290's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Processor N97 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N97 scores 5,445 against the Xeon E3-1290's 5,429 — a 0.3% lead for the Processor N97. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290.

Feature	Processor N97	Xeon E3-1290
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.6 GHz+80%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,445	5,429

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Processor N97 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.