Xeon E3-1286 v3 vs Core i7-8709G

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 E3-1286 v3 is positioned at rank 379 and the Core i7-8709G is on rank 818, so the Xeon E3-1286 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 E3-1286 v3

#1

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

5275%

#2

Xeon W-11855M

MSRP: $450|Avg: $200

98%

#6

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

996%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

885%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

684%

#263

Xeon 6710E

MSRP: $1565|Avg: $344

100%

#264

Ryzen 7 PRO 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $180

99%

#266

EPYC 7C13

MSRP: $2000|Avg: $2000

97%

#267

Xeon Gold 6336Y

MSRP: $3245|Avg: N/A

96%

#268

Xeon w5-2565X

MSRP: $1389|Avg: $1389

96%

#379

Xeon E3-1286 v3

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#388

Xeon E-2234

MSRP: $250|Avg: $136

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8709G

#806

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1250%

#807

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1232%

#808

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1131%

#809

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1126%

#810

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1115%

#812

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1077%

#813

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1033%

#814

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1031%

#815

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1003%

#818

Core i7-8709G

MSRP: $338|Avg: $150

100%

#819

Celeron M 560

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

99%

#824

Celeron Dual-Core T3000

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

96%

#825

Pentium P6100

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16.39

96%

#828

Celeron M 575

MSRP: $86|Avg: $12

95%

#829

Core i7-10710U

MSRP: $415|Avg: N/A

95%

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 i7-8709G (2018) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Xeon E3-1286 v3	Core i7-8709G
Gaming	Balanced gaming performance	Balanced gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($150)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm)	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake G (2018) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon E3-1286 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 E3-1286 v3	Core i7-8709G
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($150)

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 E3-1286 v3 Benchmark Check

Core i7-8709G Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E3-1286 v3 and Core i7-8709G

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.

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G 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: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Xeon E3-1286 v3 and Core i7-8709G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-8709G is built on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1286 v3 scores 7,879 against the Core i7-8709G's 7,934 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-8709G. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286 v3 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8709G.

Feature	Xeon E3-1286 v3	Core i7-8709G
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	7,879	7,934

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1286 v3 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8709G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.