Xeon E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1275L 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 E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1275L 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 E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1275L 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 E3-1240 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $100 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌53.3% higher power demand at 69W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1275L v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1275L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 69W, a 24W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4600, while Xeon E3-1240 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1240 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,327 vs 6,385).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.1 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1240 v2 better than Xeon E3-1275L v3?

Yes. Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% 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 3.3% 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 E3-1240 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% 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 $100 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $350 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 41.3% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 18.1 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1275L v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1240 v2 vs Xeon E3-1275L v3 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 E3-1275L v3

The Xeon E3-1275L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,327 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1240 v2 and Xeon E3-1275L v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 v2 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon E3-1240 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1240 v2 scores 6,385 against the Xeon E3-1275L v3's 6,327 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E3-1240 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1240 v2 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1275L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	6,385	6,327
Geekbench 6 Single	—	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1240 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1275L v3
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E3-1240 v2) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1275L v3). The Xeon E3-1275L v3 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4600), while the Xeon E3-1240 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1275L v3
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Low Power Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1240 v2 was priced at $250, while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 came in at $350. On launch pricing ($250 vs $350), Xeon E3-1240 v2 was $100 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1240 v2 delivers 25.5 pts/$ vs 18.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — making the Xeon E3-1240 v2 the 34.2% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v2	Xeon E3-1275L v3
MSRP	$250-29%	$350
Performance per Dollar	25.5+41%	18.1
Release Date	2012	2014

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