Xeon E3-1290 v2 vs Xeon E5-2420 v2

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 E3-1290 v2 vs Xeon E5-2420 v2 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 E3-1290 v2 vs Xeon E5-2420 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $885 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2420 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2420 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 80W instead of 87W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,349 vs 6,354).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Xeon E5-2420 v2?

Yes. Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 E3-1290 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $885 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E5-2420 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1290 v2 vs Xeon E5-2420 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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 E5-2420 v2

The Xeon E5-2420 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,349 points. Launch price was $480.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1290 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2420 v2 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2420 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon E5-2420 v2 — a 41.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2420 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1290 v2 scores 6,354 against the Xeon E5-2420 v2's 6,349 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 vs 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2420 v2.

Feature	Xeon E3-1290 v2	Xeon E5-2420 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+52%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+68%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,354	6,349

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2420 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.