CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1275L v3
Core i5-7500
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 E3-1275L v3 is positioned at rank 650 and the Core i5-7500 is on rank 573, so the Core i5-7500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1275L v3
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($29) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+123%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($29) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) |
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 E3-1275L v3 and Core i5-7500
Xeon E3-1275L v3
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 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): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,327 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i5-7500
The Core i5-7500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,362 points. Launch price was $202.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7500's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-7500 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 scores 6,327 against the Core i5-7500's 6,362 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-7500. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7500.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+3% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz+26% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | — | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,327 | 6,362 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 900 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7500 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7500 — the Core i5-7500 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7500 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C220,C226 (Xeon E3-1275L v3) and Intel 200 series,Intel 100 series (Core i5-7500).
| Feature | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics P4600 (Xeon E3-1275L v3) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7500) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server, Core i5-7500 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics P4600 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Low Power Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 launched at $350 MSRP, while the Core i5-7500 debuted at $199. At current prices ($29 vs $65), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 is $36 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 delivers 218.2 pts/$ vs 97.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-7500 — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 76.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1275L v3 | Core i5-7500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $350 | $199-43% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $29-55% | $65 |
| Performance per Dollar | 218.2+123% | 97.9 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2017 |
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