Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E7530

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 E7530 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 E7530: 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

✅Costs $724 less on MSRP ($667 MSRP vs $1,391 MSRP).
✅Delivers 108.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.8 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($667 MSRP vs $1,391 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 105W, a 21W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,228 vs 7,231).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon E7530

2010

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($1,391 MSRP vs $667 MSRP).
❌25% higher power demand at 105W vs 84W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1246 v3 better than Xeon E7530?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E3-1246 v3 is ahead with a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7530 pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Xeon E7530 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E7530 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1246 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1246 v3 comes in $724 cheaper on MSRP at $667 MSRP versus $1,391 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E7530 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0% better PassMark. It is also 108.5% better value on MSRP (10.8 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon E7530 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 E7530

The Xeon E7530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.87 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,231 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1246 v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E7530 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E7530 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 versus 2.13 GHz on the Xeon E7530 — a 58.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1246 v3 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 1.87 GHz). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1246 v3 scores 7,228 against the Xeon E7530's 7,231 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E7530. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs 12 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7530.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E7530
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+83%	2.13 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+87%	1.87 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache	12 MB L3 Cache+50%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
PassMark	7,228	7,231

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1246 v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7530 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E7530
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1246 v3 was priced at $667, while the Xeon E7530 came in at $1391. On launch pricing ($667 vs $1391), Xeon E3-1246 v3 was $724 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1246 v3 delivers 10.8 pts/$ vs 5.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E7530 — making the Xeon E3-1246 v3 the 70.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1246 v3	Xeon E7530
MSRP	$667-52%	$1391
Performance per Dollar	10.8+108%	5.2
Release Date	2014	2010

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