Xeon E3-1270L v4
Intel
PassMark
7,662
MSRP
$581
AVG Price
$636
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 E3-1270L v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,662 points. Launch price was $800.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E3-1270L v4 is positioned at rank #768 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 E3-1270L v4
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1270L v4 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1270L v4 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1270L v4 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Broadwell-DT (2015) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,662, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,289, while multi-core reaches 4,271.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1270L v4 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Broadwell-DT (2015) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 182 mm2 |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 5 GT/s |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 7,662 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,289 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 4,271 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1270L v4 fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1270L v4 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1150 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C226 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Xeon E3-1270L v4 is primarily designed for Workstation. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i7-4790T.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1270L v4 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Workstation |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Core i7-4790T |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E3-1270L v4 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: LGA 1150 compatible cooler.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1270L v4 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 45 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | LGA 1150 compatible cooler |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $636 (MSRP: $581), the Xeon E3-1270L v4 delivers 12 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #768 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1490 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1270L v4 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $581 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $636 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #768 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1490 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1270L v4
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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