Xeon E3-1285 v4 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3

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 E3-1285 v4 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 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 E3-1285 v4 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1285 v4

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,735 vs 7,879).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $556 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1286 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1286 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 84W instead of 95W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1286 v3 better than Xeon E3-1285 v4?

Yes. Xeon E3-1286 v3 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1286 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 E3-1286 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1286 v3 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1285 v4 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1286 v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $556 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1285 v4 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1285 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1285 v4 vs Xeon E3-1286 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1285 v4

The Xeon E3-1285 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,735 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E3-1286 v3

The Xeon E3-1286 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): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,879 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1285 v4 and Xeon E3-1286 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1285 v4 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1286 v3 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon E3-1285 v4 is built on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1285 v4 scores 7,735 against the Xeon E3-1286 v3's 7,879 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1286 v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1285 v4 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286 v3.

Feature	Xeon E3-1285 v4	Xeon E3-1286 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.1 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-DT (2015)	—
PassMark	7,735	7,879+2%