Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon E3-1280 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-2124G vs Xeon E3-1280 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-2124G vs Xeon E3-1280 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-2124G

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 71W instead of 82W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,218 vs 7,252).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.8 vs 29.0 PassMark/$ ($667 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1280 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $417 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
✅Delivers 168.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.0 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌15.5% higher power demand at 82W vs 71W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2124G better than Xeon E3-1280 v3?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E-2124G is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1280 v3 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1280 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E-2124G is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1280 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E-2124G comes in 166.8% more expensive on MSRP at $667 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1280 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. Xeon E3-1280 v3 is also 168.1% better value on MSRP (29.0 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E-2124G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E-2124G vs Xeon E3-1280 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E-2124G

The Xeon E-2124G 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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: 7,218 points. Launch price was $213.

Xeon E3-1280 v3

The Xeon E3-1280 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,252 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E-2124G packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1280 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon E-2124G versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2124G (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E-2124G uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E-2124G scores 7,218 against the Xeon E3-1280 v3's 7,252 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2124G vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v3.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon E3-1280 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+13%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,218	7,252

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E-2124G uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon E3-1280 v3
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E-2124G was priced at $667, while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($667 vs $250), Xeon E3-1280 v3 was $417 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E-2124G delivers 10.8 pts/$ vs 29.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v3 the 91.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E-2124G	Xeon E3-1280 v3
MSRP	$667	$250-63%
Performance per Dollar	10.8	29.0+169%
Release Date	2018	2013

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