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 E3-1265L v4 vs Xeon E5-1620 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 E3-1265L v4 vs Xeon E5-1620 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 E3-1265L v4

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 140W, a 105W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics P6300, while Xeon E5-1620 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1620 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,954 vs 6,959).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.7 vs 23.7 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Xeon E5-1620 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $123 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.7 vs 16.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌300% higher power demand at 140W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1265L v4 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1620 v3 better than Xeon E3-1265L v4?

Yes. Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.3% 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 E5-1620 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5-1620 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1620 v3 comes in $123 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 41.9% better value on MSRP (23.7 vs 16.7 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1265L v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1265L v4 vs Xeon E5-1620 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1265L v4

The Xeon E3-1265L v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 6,954 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E5-1620 v3

The Xeon E5-1620 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 6,959 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1265L v4 and Xeon E5-1620 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1265L v4 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v3 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1620 v3 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E3-1265L v4 uses the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1620 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1265L v4 scores 6,954 against the Xeon E5-1620 v3's 6,959 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1265L v4 vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1265L v4	Xeon E5-1620 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3.5 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	10 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-DT (2015)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	6,954	6,959
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1265L v4 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-1620 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E3-1265L v4 versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-1620 v3 — the Xeon E5-1620 v3 supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-1620 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E3-1265L v4) vs 4 (Xeon E5-1620 v3). PCIe lanes: 16 (Xeon E3-1265L v4) vs 40 (Xeon E5-1620 v3) — the Xeon E5-1620 v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C226 (Xeon E3-1265L v4) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-1620 v3).

Feature	Xeon E3-1265L v4	Xeon E5-1620 v3
Socket	LGA1150	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	768 GB+2300%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon E5-1620 v3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Xeon E3-1265L v4 includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics P6300), while the Xeon E5-1620 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1265L v4 targets Server, Xeon E5-1620 v3 targets Server.

Feature	Xeon E3-1265L v4	Xeon E5-1620 v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Iris Pro Graphics P6300	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Server	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1265L v4 was priced at $417, while the Xeon E5-1620 v3 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($417 vs $294), Xeon E5-1620 v3 was $123 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1265L v4 delivers 16.7 pts/$ vs 23.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 v3 — making the Xeon E5-1620 v3 the 34.7% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1265L v4	Xeon E5-1620 v3
MSRP	$417	$294-29%
Performance per Dollar	16.7	23.7+42%
Release Date	2015	2014

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