Xeon E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5

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 E3-1505L v5 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 E3-1505L v5: 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

Trade-offs

❌220% higher power demand at 80W vs 25W.

Xeon E3-1505L v5

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 80W, a 55W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,083 vs 5,144).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230 better than Xeon E3-1505L v5?

Yes. Xeon E3-1230 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1230 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 E3-1230 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1230 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1230 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1505L v5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1230 vs Xeon E3-1505L v5 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 E3-1505L v5

The Xeon E3-1505L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,083 points. Launch price was $433.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1230 and Xeon E3-1505L v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1505L v5 — a 25% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1230 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E3-1230 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1505L v5 uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1230 scores 5,144 against the Xeon E3-1505L v5's 5,083 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1230. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon E3-1230	Xeon E3-1505L v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+29%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	5,144+1%	5,083

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1230 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1505L v5 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.