Xeon E3-1280
Intel
PassMark
5,612
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 E3-1280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,612 points. Launch price was $450.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1280 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Dota 2
Fortnite
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Once Human
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1280 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1280 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 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 (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,612, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 216 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,160 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 74 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 5,612 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1280 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1155 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E3-1280 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 95 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 74 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1777 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1280 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $450 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1777 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 3 April 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $450 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 3 April 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1777 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Die Size | 216 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,160 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 74 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 95 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 21 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 E3-1280
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Xeon E3-1280
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