Xeon E7340 vs Xeon E3-1280 v2
Xeon E7340
Xeon E3-1280 v2
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 E7340 is positioned at rank 470 and the Xeon E3-1280 v2 is on rank 612, so the Xeon E7340 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E7340
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1280 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E7340 | Xeon E3-1280 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($132) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E7340 | Xeon E3-1280 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+167%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($132) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 E7340 and Xeon E3-1280 v2
Xeon E7340
The Xeon E7340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 6,544 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon E3-1280 v2
The Xeon E3-1280 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,619 points. Launch price was $645.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1280 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E7340 scores 6,544 against the Xeon E3-1280 v2's 6,619 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E7340 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v2.
| Feature | Xeon E7340 | Xeon E3-1280 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | — | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | — | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB L2 Cache | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | — | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 6,544 | 6,619+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E7340 uses the PGA604 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E7340 | Xeon E3-1280 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA604 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E7340 launched at $213 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 debuted at $315. At current prices ($132 vs $50), the Xeon E3-1280 v2 is $82 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7340 delivers 49.6 pts/$ vs 132.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v2 the 91% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E7340 | Xeon E3-1280 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $213-32% | $315 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $132 | $50-62% |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.6 | 132.4+167% |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon E7340 and Xeon E3-1280 v2
