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 E5-2687W v3 vs Xeon W-1290TE 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 E5-2687W v3 vs Xeon W-1290TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2687W v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($2,141 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
❌357.1% higher power demand at 160W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon W-1290TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon W-1290TE

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,589 less on MSRP ($552 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Delivers 287.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.3 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 160W, a 125W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics P630, while Xeon E5-2687W v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,505 vs 14,538).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 25 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1290TE better than Xeon E5-2687W v3?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-1290TE is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2687W v3 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2687W v3 also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2687W v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).

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

Xeon W-1290TE is the better buy right now. Xeon W-1290TE comes in $1,589 cheaper on MSRP at $552 MSRP versus $2,141 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2687W v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 287.0% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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 W-1290TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2687W v3 vs Xeon W-1290TE Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2687W v3

The Xeon E5-2687W v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 14,538 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon W-1290TE

The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5-2687W v3 and Xeon W-1290TE share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2687W v3 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE — a 25% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290TE (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Xeon E5-2687W v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2687W v3 scores 14,538 against the Xeon W-1290TE's 14,505 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-2687W v3. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2687W v3 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE.

Feature	Xeon E5-2687W v3	Xeon W-1290TE
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	10 / 20
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.5 GHz+29%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+72%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)+25%	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	14,538	14,505
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,507
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,478

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2687W v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2687W v3 versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE — the Xeon W-1290TE supports 37.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2687W v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-2687W v3) vs 2 (Xeon W-1290TE). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2687W v3) vs 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) — the Xeon E5-2687W v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2687W v3) and W480 (Xeon W-1290TE).

Feature	Xeon E5-2687W v3	Xeon W-1290TE
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2933+38%
Max RAM Capacity	768 GB+500%	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40+150%	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2687W v3) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-1290TE). The Xeon W-1290TE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics P630), while the Xeon E5-2687W v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation.

Feature	Xeon E5-2687W v3	Xeon W-1290TE
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics P630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2687W v3 was priced at $2141, while the Xeon W-1290TE came in at $552. On launch pricing ($2141 vs $552), Xeon W-1290TE was $1589 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2687W v3 delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290TE — making the Xeon W-1290TE the 117.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2687W v3	Xeon W-1290TE
MSRP	$2141	$552-74%
Performance per Dollar	6.8	26.3+287%
Release Date	2014	2020

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