Xeon E-2124 vs Xeon E3-1286L v3

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.

Xeon E-2124 vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 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.

Xeon E-2124 vs Xeon E3-1286L v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E-2124

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,915 vs 6,929).

Xeon E3-1286L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 65W instead of 71W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1286L v3 better than Xeon E-2124?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E-2124 is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1286L v3 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1286L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1286L v3 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1286L v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E-2124 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E-2124 vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E-2124

The Xeon E-2124 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 71 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 6,915 points. Launch price was $193.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

The Xeon E3-1286L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,929 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E-2124 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1286L v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Xeon E-2124 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286L v3 — a 7.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2124 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon E-2124 is built on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E-2124 scores 6,915 against the Xeon E3-1286L v3's 6,929 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1286L v3. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2124 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286L v3.

Feature	Xeon E-2124	Xeon E3-1286L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+7%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	6,915	6,929

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E-2124 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1286L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.