Xeon E3-1245 v2 vs Xeon E5-2640

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 E3-1245 v2 vs Xeon E5-2640 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 E3-1245 v2 vs Xeon E5-2640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1245 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $612 less on MSRP ($273 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 226.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($273 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics P4000, while Xeon E5-2640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).

Xeon E5-2640

2012

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,305 vs 6,357).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $273 MSRP).
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1245 v2 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1245 v2 better than Xeon E5-2640?

Yes. Xeon E3-1245 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 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 E3-1245 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 E3-1245 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 E3-1245 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1245 v2 comes in $612 cheaper on MSRP at $273 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 226.8% better value on MSRP (23.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2640 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E3-1245 v2 vs Xeon E5-2640 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1245 v2

The Xeon E3-1245 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): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,357 points. Launch price was $462.

Xeon E5-2640

The Xeon E5-2640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,305 points. Launch price was $162.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1245 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2640 — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1245 v2 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1245 v2 scores 6,357 against the Xeon E5-2640's 6,305 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1245 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2640.

Feature	Xeon E3-1245 v2	Xeon E5-2640
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+27%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+36%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	6,357	6,305
Geekbench 6 Single	659	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,273	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1245 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2640 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1245 v2 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2640 — the Xeon E3-1245 v2 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2640 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E3-1245 v2) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Xeon E3-1245 v2) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2640) — the Xeon E5-2640 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Xeon E3-1245 v2	Xeon E5-2640
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	384 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: Yes (Xeon E3-1245 v2) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2640). The Xeon E3-1245 v2 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4000), while the Xeon E5-2640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1245 v2 targets Server, Xeon E5-2640 targets Server.

Feature	Xeon E3-1245 v2	Xeon E5-2640
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics P4000	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Server	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1245 v2 was priced at $273, while the Xeon E5-2640 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($273 vs $885), Xeon E3-1245 v2 was $612 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1245 v2 delivers 23.3 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2640 — making the Xeon E3-1245 v2 the 106.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1245 v2	Xeon E5-2640
MSRP	$273-69%	$885
Performance per Dollar	23.3+228%	7.1
Release Date	2012	2012

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