CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1280 v2
Core i5-7600
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 E3-1280 v2 is positioned at rank 612 and the Core i5-7600 is on rank 606, so the Core i5-7600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1280 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+130%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) |
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 i5-7600
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 i5-7600
The Core i5-7600 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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. Passmark benchmark score: 6,568 points. Launch price was $224.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7600's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-7600 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-7600 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7600 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1280 v2 scores 6,619 against the Core i5-7600's 6,568 — a 0.8% 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 i5-7600.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.1 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+3% | 3.5 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) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,619 | 6,568 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,307 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7600 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E3-1280 v2) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7600). The Core i5-7600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7600 rivals Ryzen 5 1500X.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 launched at $315 MSRP, while the Core i5-7600 debuted at $224. At current prices ($50 vs $114), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 is $64 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 delivers 132.4 pts/$ vs 57.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-7600 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v2 the 78.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1280 v2 | Core i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $315 | $224-29% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-56% | $114 |
| Performance per Dollar | 132.4+130% | 57.6 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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