Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2

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 E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1275L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $535 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 151.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 87W, a 42W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4600, while Xeon E3-1290 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1290 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,327 vs 6,354).

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
❌93.3% higher power demand at 87W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1275L v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Xeon E3-1275L v3?

Yes. Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.4% 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 E3-1290 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1275L v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in 152.9% more expensive on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $350 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1275L v3 is also 151.8% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E3-1275L v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E3-1290 v2

The Xeon E3-1290 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1275L v3 and Xeon E3-1290 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon E3-1290 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 scores 6,327 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290 v2.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.1 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.7 GHz+37%
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,327	6,354
Geekbench 6 Single	900	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1275L v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1275L v3) / not specified (Xeon E3-1290 v2). The Xeon E3-1275L v3 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4600), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics P4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Low Power Server	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 was priced at $350, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($350 vs $885), Xeon E3-1275L v3 was $535 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 86.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP	$350-60%	$885
Performance per Dollar	18.1+151%	7.2
Release Date	2014	2012

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