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 E5-2640 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 E5-2640: 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

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $535 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 153.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.1 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4600, while Xeon E5-2640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).

Xeon E5-2640

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,305 vs 6,327).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 18.1 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W 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 E5-2640?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E5-2640 is ahead with a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1275L v3 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2640 also has the bigger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

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 0.3% 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 $535 cheaper on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $885 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2640 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 153.7% better value on MSRP (18.1 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 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 E5-2640 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 E5-2640

The Xeon E5-2640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 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: 6,305 points. Launch price was $162.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1275L v3 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2640 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-2640 is built on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 scores 6,327 against the Xeon E5-2640's 6,305 — a 0.3% 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 E5-2640.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-2640
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+30%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 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-EP (2012)
PassMark	6,327	6,305
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 Xeon E5-2640 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2640 — the Xeon E3-1275L v3 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2640 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E3-1275L v3) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Xeon E3-1275L v3) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2640) — the Xeon E5-2640 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-2640
Socket	LGA1150	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	384 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Xeon E3-1275L v3 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4600), while the Xeon E5-2640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server, Xeon E5-2640 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-2640
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics P4600	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Server	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1275L v3 was priced at $350, while the Xeon E5-2640 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 7.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2640 — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 86.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1275L v3	Xeon E5-2640
MSRP	$350-60%	$885
Performance per Dollar	18.1+155%	7.1
Release Date	2014	2012

Search Xeon E3-1275L v3 on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2640 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.