Xeon E3-1240 v3 vs Xeon E3-1286L 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 v3 vs Xeon E3-1286L 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 v3 vs Xeon E3-1286L 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 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,929 vs 7,001).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1286L v3 better than Xeon E3-1240 v3?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E3-1286L v3 is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1240 v3 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1240 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1286L v3 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1286L v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1286L v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1240 v3 vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1240 v3

The Xeon E3-1240 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,001 points. Launch price was $300.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

The Xeon E3-1286L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,929 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1240 v3 and Xeon E3-1286L v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 v3 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286L v3 — a 5.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1286L v3 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon E3-1240 v3 is built on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1240 v3 scores 7,001 against the Xeon E3-1286L v3's 6,929 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E3-1240 v3. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1240 v3 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286L v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1240 v3	Xeon E3-1286L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)	—
PassMark	7,001+1%	6,929