Xeon E3-1281 v3
Intel
PassMark
7,587
MSRP
$555
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 E3-1281 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,587 points. Launch price was $800.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E3-1281 v3 is positioned at rank #758 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 E3-1281 v3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1281 v3 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 E3-1281 v3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1281 v3 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.7 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 7,587, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.1 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.7 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 | 7,587 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1281 v3 fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600 memory.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1281 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 E3-1281 v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 82 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 82 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $636 (MSRP: $555), the Xeon E3-1281 v3 delivers 12 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #758 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1499 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1281 v3 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $555 |
| 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 | #758 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1499 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1281 v3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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