Xeon E3-1246 v3
Intel
PassMark
7,228
MSRP
$667
AVG Price
$215
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.
Overview
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,228 points. Launch price was $800.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1246 v3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1246 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Baldur's Gate 3
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Grand Theft Auto V
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Minecraft
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1246 v3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,228, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1246 v3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 5 GT/s |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 7,228 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600 memory.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1246 v3 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1150 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E3-1246 v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 84 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1246 v3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 84 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $215 (MSRP: $667), the Xeon E3-1246 v3 delivers 34 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1551 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1246 v3 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $667 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $215 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1551 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
5 specs
General Information
5 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $800 |
| Release Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1551 |
Technical Specifications
9 specs
Technical Specifications
9 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 84 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1246 v3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Xeon E3-1246 v3 with other popular CPUs
Compare Xeon E3-1246 v3
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
