CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1290 v2
Xeon E3-1268L v5
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 E3-1290 v2 is positioned at rank 453 and the Xeon E3-1268L v5 is on rank 455, so the Xeon E3-1290 v2 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290 v2
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1268L v5
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Xeon E3-1268L v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) | ✅ More affordable ($93) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake-DT (2015) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Xeon E3-1268L v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) | ✅ More affordable ($93) |
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 E3-1290 v2 and Xeon E3-1268L v5
Xeon E3-1290 v2
The Xeon E3-1290 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.
Xeon E3-1268L v5
The Xeon E3-1268L v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,334 points. Launch price was $377.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon E3-1290 v2 and Xeon E3-1268L v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1268L v5 — a 18.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1290 v2 scores 6,354 against the Xeon E3-1268L v5's 6,334 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Xeon E3-1268L v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+21% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+54% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Skylake-DT (2015) |
| PassMark | 6,354 | 6,334 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Xeon E3-1268L v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 launched at $885 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 debuted at $377. At current prices ($125 vs $93), the Xeon E3-1268L v5 is $32 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1290 v2 delivers 50.8 pts/$ vs 68.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1268L v5 — making the Xeon E3-1268L v5 the 29% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1290 v2 | Xeon E3-1268L v5 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $885 | $377-57% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $125 | $93-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.8 | 68.1+34% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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