Xeon E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1268L 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 E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1268L 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 E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1268L 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 E3-1240 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 44 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $127 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌97.1% higher power demand at 69W vs 35W.

Xeon E3-1268L v5

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 69W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1240 v2 across 44 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,334 vs 6,385).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($377 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1240 v2 better than Xeon E3-1268L v5?

Yes. Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 44 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.7% more average FPS across 44 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1240 v2 comes in $127 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $377 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 44 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 52.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1268L v5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1268L v5 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1240 v2

The Xeon E3-1240 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,385 points. Launch price was $304.

Xeon E3-1268L v5

The Xeon E3-1268L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,334 points. Launch price was $377.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1240 v2 and Xeon E3-1268L v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 v2 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1268L v5 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1240 v2 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon E3-1240 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1240 v2 scores 6,385 against the Xeon E3-1268L v5's 6,334 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1240 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1268L v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+12%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	6,385	6,334

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1240 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1268L v5
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1240 v2 was priced at $250, while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 came in at $377. On launch pricing ($250 vs $377), Xeon E3-1240 v2 was $127 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1240 v2 delivers 25.5 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1268L v5 — making the Xeon E3-1240 v2 the 41.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1268L v5
MSRP	$250-34%	$377
Performance per Dollar	25.5+52%	16.8
Release Date	2012	2015

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