Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs Xeon W3690
Xeon E3-1246 v3
Xeon W3690
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon E3-1246 v3 is positioned at rank 842 and the Xeon W3690 is on rank 798, so the Xeon W3690 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1246 v3
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3690
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1246 v3 | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($215) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1246 v3 | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+53%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($215) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E3-1246 v3 and Xeon W3690
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 W3690
The Xeon W3690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,191 points. Launch price was $450.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W3690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W3690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon W3690 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1246 v3 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Xeon W3690 is built on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1246 v3 scores 7,228 against the Xeon W3690's 7,191 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1246 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1246 v3 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3690.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1246 v3 | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.73 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+1% | 3.46 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 12 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | — | Gulftown (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 7,228 | 7,191 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1246 v3 | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 launched at $667 MSRP, while the Xeon W3690 debuted at $583. At current prices ($215 vs $140), the Xeon W3690 is $75 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1246 v3 delivers 33.6 pts/$ vs 51.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3690 — making the Xeon W3690 the 41.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1246 v3 | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $667 | $583-13% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $215 | $140-35% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.6 | 51.4+53% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
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