Xeon E3-1281 v3 vs Core i7-8705G

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 E3-1281 v3 is positioned at rank 758 and the Core i7-8705G is on rank 900, so the Xeon E3-1281 v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1281 v3

#1

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

15203%

#6

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2870%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2550%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1970%

#436

Xeon Gold 5218T

MSRP: $1572|Avg: $1349

100%

#437

Xeon 6960P

MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625

99%

#438

EPYC 9555

MSRP: $9826|Avg: $7973

99%

#439

Xeon Gold 6338

MSRP: $2990|Avg: $1604

98%

#440

Xeon Gold 6538N

MSRP: $3351|Avg: $170

98%

#441

EPYC 7F52

MSRP: $3100|Avg: $1826

98%

#442

EPYC 7542

MSRP: $3400|Avg: $899

98%

#443

EPYC 9655

MSRP: $11852|Avg: $11852

96%

#444

Xeon 6781P

MSRP: $8960|Avg: $8960

96%

#445

Xeon Gold 6338N

MSRP: $3200|Avg: $3200

96%

#446

Xeon Gold 5117

MSRP: $1286|Avg: $300

96%

#758

Xeon E3-1281 v3

MSRP: $555|Avg: $636

100%

#768

Xeon E3-1270L v4

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

96%

#771

Xeon E3-1545M v5

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8705G

#888

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1538%

#889

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1515%

#890

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1391%

#891

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1385%

#892

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1372%

#894

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1325%

#895

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1270%

#896

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1268%

#897

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1234%

#900

Core i7-8705G

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

100%

#902

Pentium Dual Core T2410

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

99%

#903

FX-8800P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

99%

#904

Core i7-8809G

MSRP: $450|Avg: $450

98%

#911

Core i7-6820HK

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

97%

#912

Athlon II Neo K325

MSRP: $60|Avg: $25

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i7-8705G (2018) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Xeon E3-1281 v3	Core i7-8705G
Gaming	Balanced gaming performance	Balanced gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($636)	✅ More affordable ($400)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm)	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake G (2018) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon E3-1281 v3 (2014) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Xeon E3-1281 v3	Core i7-8705G
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+60%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($636)	✅ More affordable ($400)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Xeon E3-1281 v3 Benchmark Check

Core i7-8705G Benchmark Check

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Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E3-1281 v3 and Core i7-8705G

Xeon E3-1281 v3

The Xeon E3-1281 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,587 points. Launch price was $800.

Core i7-8705G

The Core i7-8705G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,633 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1281 v3 and Core i7-8705G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1281 v3 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8705G — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-8705G is built on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1281 v3 scores 7,587 against the Core i7-8705G's 7,633 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-8705G. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1281 v3 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8705G.

Feature	Xeon E3-1281 v3	Core i7-8705G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+19%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	—	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	7,587	7,633

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1281 v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8705G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E3-1281 v3	Core i7-8705G
Socket	LGA1150	FCBGA2270
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

The Xeon E3-1281 v3 launched at $555 MSRP, while the Core i7-8705G debuted at $400. At current prices ($636 vs $400), the Core i7-8705G is $236 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1281 v3 delivers 11.9 pts/$ vs 19.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-8705G — making the Core i7-8705G the 46.1% better value option.