Xeon E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1235

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 E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1235 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 E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1235: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1230

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon E3-1235

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,112 vs 5,144).
❌Launch MSRP is still $240 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230 better than Xeon E3-1235?

Yes. Xeon E3-1230 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1230 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1230 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1235 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1230 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $240 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1235 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1230 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1235 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1230

The Xeon E3-1230 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,144 points. Launch price was $428.

Xeon E3-1235

The Xeon E3-1235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 5,112 points. Launch price was $287.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1230 and Xeon E3-1235 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1235 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1230 scores 5,144 against the Xeon E3-1235's 5,112 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E3-1230. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon E3-1230	Xeon E3-1235
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,144	5,112