Xeon E3-1280 v2 vs Xeon E7340

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 E3-1280 v2 vs Xeon E7340 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 E3-1280 v2 vs Xeon E7340: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1280 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 69W instead of 80W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.0 vs 30.7 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Xeon E7340

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $102 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Delivers 46.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.7 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1280 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,544 vs 6,619).
❌15.9% higher power demand at 80W vs 69W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1280 v2 better than Xeon E7340?

Yes. Xeon E3-1280 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 E3-1280 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.8% 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 E3-1280 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1280 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E7340 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1280 v2 comes in 47.9% more expensive on MSRP at $315 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E7340 is also 46.2% better value on MSRP (30.7 vs 21.0 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1280 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E3-1280 v2 vs Xeon E7340 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E7340

The Xeon E7340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 6,544 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1280 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1280 v2 scores 6,619 against the Xeon E7340's 6,544 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E7340.

Feature	Xeon E3-1280 v2	Xeon E7340
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	4 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+50%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	6,619+1%	6,544

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7340 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1280 v2	Xeon E7340
Socket	LGA1155	PGA604
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1280 v2 was priced at $315, while the Xeon E7340 came in at $213. On launch pricing ($315 vs $213), Xeon E7340 was $102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 delivers 21.0 pts/$ vs 30.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E7340 — making the Xeon E7340 the 37.5% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1280 v2	Xeon E7340
MSRP	$315	$213-32%
Performance per Dollar	21.0	30.7+46%
Release Date	2012	2007

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