Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E3-1280 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 E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E3-1280 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 E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E3-1280 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 E3-1246 v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1280 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,228 vs 7,252).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.8 vs 29.0 PassMark/$ ($667 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1280 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $417 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
✅Delivers 167.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.0 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
✅Draws 82W instead of 84W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1280 v3 better than Xeon E3-1246 v3?

Yes. Xeon E3-1280 v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1280 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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 E3-1280 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1280 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1280 v3 comes in $417 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $667 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 167.7% better value on MSRP (29.0 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1246 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 E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E3-1280 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1246 v3

The Xeon E3-1246 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 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): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,228 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E3-1280 v3

The Xeon E3-1280 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,252 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1246 v3 and Xeon E3-1280 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1280 v3 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E3-1280 v3 is built on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1246 v3 scores 7,228 against the Xeon E3-1280 v3's 7,252 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E3-1280 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,228	7,252

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E3-1280 v3
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1246 v3 was priced at $667, while the Xeon E3-1280 v3 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($667 vs $250), Xeon E3-1280 v3 was $417 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1246 v3 delivers 10.8 pts/$ vs 29.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v3 the 91.2% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E3-1280 v3
MSRP	$667	$250-63%
Performance per Dollar	10.8	29.0+169%
Release Date	2014	2013

Search Xeon E3-1246 v3 on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1280 v3 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.