Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E5-1428L

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 E5-1428L 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 E5-1428L: 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 $130 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $480 MSRP).
✅Delivers 38.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 13.0 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $480 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 60W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4600, while Xeon E5-1428L needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).

Xeon E5-1428L

2012

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,255 vs 6,327).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.0 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($480 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
❌33.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1275L v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1275L v3 better than Xeon E5-1428L?

Yes. Xeon E3-1275L v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1275L v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 E3-1275L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1275L v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1275L v3 comes in $130 cheaper on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $480 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 38.7% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 13.0 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1275L v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs Xeon E5-1428L 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 E5-1428L

The Xeon E5-1428L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,255 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1275L v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-1428L offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-1428L has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1428L — a 73.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Xeon E5-1428L is built on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 scores 6,327 against the Xeon E5-1428L's 6,255 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1275L v3. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-1428L.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-1428L
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+117%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+50%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	6,327+1%	6,255
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 E5-1428L uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-1428L
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 E5-1428L). The Xeon E3-1275L v3 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4600), while the Xeon E5-1428L 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 E5-1428L
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 E5-1428L came in at $480. On launch pricing ($350 vs $480), Xeon E3-1275L v3 was $130 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 delivers 18.1 pts/$ vs 13.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1428L — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 32.4% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-1428L
MSRP	$350-27%	$480
Performance per Dollar	18.1+39%	13.0
Release Date	2014	2012

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