Xeon E3-1275 v2 vs Xeon E5-4620

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 E3-1275 v2 vs Xeon E5-4620 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 E3-1275 v2 vs Xeon E5-4620: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1275 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,715 less on MSRP ($426 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Delivers 403.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.6 vs 3.1 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 130W, a 53W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4000, while Xeon E5-4620 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 16 MB).

Xeon E5-4620

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,635 vs 6,644).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($2,141 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
❌68.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 77W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1275 v2 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Xeon E3-1275 v2.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1275 v2 better than Xeon E5-4620?

Yes. Xeon E3-1275 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% 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 E3-1275 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 E3-1275 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1275 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1275 v2 comes in $1,715 cheaper on MSRP at $426 MSRP versus $2,141 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 403.3% better value on MSRP (15.6 vs 3.1 PassMark/$), 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 E5-4620 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E3-1275 v2 vs Xeon E5-4620 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1275 v2

The Xeon E3-1275 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 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: 6,644 points. Launch price was $808.

Xeon E5-4620

The Xeon E5-4620 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 16384 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: 6,635 points. Launch price was $400.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1275 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-4620 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-4620 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275 v2 versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4620 — a 40% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275 v2 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-4620 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1275 v2 scores 6,644 against the Xeon E5-4620's 6,635 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1275 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1275 v2 vs 16384 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4620.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275 v2	Xeon E5-4620
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+50%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+59%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	16384 kB (total)+100%
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	6,644	6,635
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4620 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275 v2	Xeon E5-4620
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32.77 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1275 v2) / not specified (Xeon E5-4620). The Xeon E3-1275 v2 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4000), while the Xeon E5-4620 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275 v2 targets Server/Workstation.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275 v2	Xeon E5-4620
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics P4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Server/Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1275 v2 was priced at $426, while the Xeon E5-4620 came in at $2141. On launch pricing ($426 vs $2141), Xeon E3-1275 v2 was $1715 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1275 v2 delivers 15.6 pts/$ vs 3.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4620 — making the Xeon E3-1275 v2 the 133.7% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275 v2	Xeon E5-4620
MSRP	$426-80%	$2141
Performance per Dollar	15.6+403%	3.1
Release Date	2012	2012

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