Xeon E3-1545M v5 vs Xeon E3-1281 v3
Xeon E3-1545M v5
Xeon E3-1281 v3
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 E3-1545M v5 is positioned at rank 771 and the Xeon E3-1281 v3 is on rank 758, so the Xeon E3-1281 v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1545M v5
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1281 v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1545M v5 | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake-H (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1545M v5 | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 E3-1545M v5 and Xeon E3-1281 v3
Xeon E3-1545M v5
The Xeon E3-1545M v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,640 points. Launch price was $679.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon E3-1545M v5 and Xeon E3-1281 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1545M v5 versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1281 v3 — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1281 v3 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon E3-1545M v5 is built on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1545M v5 scores 7,640 against the Xeon E3-1281 v3's 7,587 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E3-1545M v5. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1545M v5 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1281 v3.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1545M v5 | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.1 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake-H (2015−2016) | — |
| PassMark | 7,640 | 7,587 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1545M v5 uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1281 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1545M v5 | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1440 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1545M v5 launched at $581 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1281 v3 debuted at $555. At current prices ($636 vs $636), the Xeon E3-1281 v3 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1545M v5 delivers 12.0 pts/$ vs 11.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1281 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1545M v5 the 0.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1545M v5 | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $581 | $555-4% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $636 | $636 |
| Performance per Dollar | 12.0 | 11.9 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2014 |
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