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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1281 v3

#500

EPYC 9655

MSRP: $11852|Avg: $11852

110%

#501

Xeon 6781P

MSRP: $8960|Avg: $8960

110%

#502

Xeon Gold 6338N

MSRP: $3200|Avg: $3200

110%

#503

Xeon Gold 6248R

MSRP: $2700|Avg: N/A

110%

#504

Xeon E5-1428L

MSRP: $480|Avg: N/A

109%

#505

Xeon Gold 6444Y

MSRP: $3622|Avg: N/A

109%

#506

EPYC 8534P

MSRP: $5529|Avg: $5529

109%

#507

EPYC 7663

MSRP: $6366|Avg: $6366

108%

#508

EPYC 9184X

MSRP: $4928|Avg: $3750

107%

#509

Xeon Platinum 8280

MSRP: $10009|Avg: $2940

105%

#510

EPYC 9745

MSRP: $12141|Avg: $10588

103%

#511

Xeon Platinum 8568Y+

MSRP: $6497|Avg: $6497

103%

#512

Xeon E7-8857 v2

MSRP: $3838|Avg: $2995

102%

#513

Xeon E3-1270L v4

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

101%

#514

Xeon E3-1545M v5

MSRP: $581|Avg: $636

101%

#515

Xeon E3-1281 v3

MSRP: $555|Avg: $636

100%

#516

Xeon 6724P

MSRP: $3622|Avg: $3622

88%

#517

EPYC 7773X

MSRP: $8800|Avg: $8800

87%

#518

Xeon E5603

MSRP: $188|Avg: N/A

86%

#519

Xeon Gold 6250

MSRP: $3400|Avg: $2000

86%

#520

Opteron 3380

MSRP: $229|Avg: $427

86%

#521

Xeon 6780E

MSRP: $11350|Avg: $8513

85%

#522

Xeon W-3265M

MSRP: $6300|Avg: $3500

85%

#523

Xeon Platinum 8360Y

MSRP: $5383|Avg: N/A

84%

#524

Xeon Platinum 8352M

MSRP: $4471|Avg: $4471

83%

#525

Xeon Platinum 8362

MSRP: $6236|Avg: $5740

83%

#526

Xeon W-3375

MSRP: $4951|Avg: $6000

83%

#527

Xeon Platinum 8570

MSRP: $9595|Avg: $9595

82%

#528

Xeon Platinum 8470

MSRP: $9359|Avg: $9359

80%

#529

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

80%

#530

Xeon E5-2450

MSRP: $694|Avg: $795

79%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1281 v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. 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
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1499
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

Type	server
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$800
Release Date	2015-01-01
Performance Ranking Position	1499

Technical Specifications

9 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
L3 Cache	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	4.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.7 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-