CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1280 v2
Core i3-9100
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. The Xeon E3-1280 v2 is positioned at rank #612 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1280 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+151%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
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 E3-1280 v2 and Core i3-9100
Xeon E3-1280 v2
The Xeon E3-1280 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,619 points. Launch price was $645.
Core i3-9100
The Core i3-9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,586 points. Launch price was $122.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i3-9100's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-9100 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1280 v2 scores 6,619 against the Core i3-9100's 6,586 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.2 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,619 | 6,586 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-9100 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 launched at $315 MSRP, while the Core i3-9100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($50 vs $125), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 is $75 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 delivers 132.4 pts/$ vs 52.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v2 the 86.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $315 | $122-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-60% | $125 |
| Performance per Dollar | 132.4+151% | 52.7 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2019 |
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