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 E3-1225 v3 vs Xeon E5-2620 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 E3-1225 v3 vs Xeon E5-2620: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $136 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).
✅Delivers 60.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.8 vs 14.8 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 95W, a 11W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4600, while Xeon E5-2620 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2620 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,324 vs 5,328).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).

Xeon E5-2620

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.8 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($360 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1225 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2620 better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?

Yes. Xeon E5-2620 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2620 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.3% 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 E5-2620 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2620 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1225 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2620 comes in 60.7% more expensive on MSRP at $360 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1225 v3 is also 60.6% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 14.8 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1225 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1225 v3 vs Xeon E5-2620 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1225 v3

The Xeon E3-1225 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.

Xeon E5-2620

The Xeon E5-2620 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,328 points. Launch price was $36.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2620 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2620 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2620 — a 36.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2620 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1225 v3 scores 5,324 against the Xeon E5-2620's 5,328 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2620. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2620.

Feature	Xeon E3-1225 v3	Xeon E5-2620
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	5,324	5,328
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,108	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,324	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2620 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2620 — the Xeon E3-1225 v3 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2620 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2620). PCIe lanes: 16 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2620) — the Xeon E5-2620 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C226,B85,Q87,H81,Z87 (Xeon E3-1225 v3) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2620).

Feature	Xeon E3-1225 v3	Xeon E5-2620
Socket	LGA1150	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	384 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3) / not specified (Xeon E5-2620). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the Xeon E5-2620 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

Feature	Xeon E3-1225 v3	Xeon E5-2620
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics P4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1225 v3 was priced at $224, while the Xeon E5-2620 came in at $360. On launch pricing ($224 vs $360), Xeon E3-1225 v3 was $136 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1225 v3 delivers 23.8 pts/$ vs 14.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2620 — making the Xeon E3-1225 v3 the 46.5% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1225 v3	Xeon E5-2620
MSRP	$224-38%	$360
Performance per Dollar	23.8+61%	14.8
Release Date	2013	2012

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