Xeon E3-1240
CPU·Budget

Xeon E3-1240

Intel

PassMark

5,361

MSRP

$273

AVG Price

$39

3 April 2011 (14 years ago)
80 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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 E3-1240 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,361 points. Launch price was $209.

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 E3-1240

#60
Xeon X3440
MSRP: $215|Avg: $16
126%
#61
Xeon E5-2689 v4
MSRP: $2723|Avg: $100
124%
#62
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX
MSRP: $1337|Avg: $368
123%
#63
Xeon E3-1280 v3
MSRP: $250|Avg: $44
120%
#64
Xeon Platinum 8571N
MSRP: $599|Avg: $418
119%
#65
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
MSRP: $2607|Avg: $389
117%
#66
Xeon E5-1650 v2
MSRP: $583|Avg: $60
113%
#67
EPYC 7513
MSRP: $2840|Avg: $389
112%
#68
EPYC 9454
MSRP: $5225|Avg: $576
111%
#69
Xeon Platinum 8160M
MSRP: $5000|Avg: $350
110%
#70
EPYC 7282
MSRP: $650|Avg: $199
110%
#71
Xeon E5-2670
MSRP: $1552|Avg: $60
108%
#72
Ryzen 5 PRO 7645
MSRP: $229|Avg: $192
104%
#73
Xeon E5-2687W
MSRP: $1885|Avg: $70
104%
#74
Xeon W-2155
MSRP: $1440|Avg: $150
101%
#75
Xeon E3-1240
MSRP: $273|Avg: $39
100%
#76
Xeon Gold 6150
MSRP: $3358|Avg: $196
98%
#77
Xeon E5-4627 v2
MSRP: $2061|Avg: $70
98%
#78
EPYC 7543
MSRP: $10257|Avg: $468
98%
#79
Xeon w7-3465X
MSRP: $2889|Avg: $468
97%
#80
Xeon E5-2623 v3
MSRP: $444|Avg: $50
97%
#81
Xeon E3-1280 v2
MSRP: $315|Avg: $50
96%
#82
Xeon E5-2675 V3
MSRP: $1800|Avg: $100
96%
#83
Xeon W-2175
MSRP: $1947|Avg: $180
95%
#84
Xeon E5-1620 v2
MSRP: $294|Avg: $50
95%
#85
EPYC 7F32
MSRP: $2100|Avg: $179
95%
#86
Xeon E5-4610
MSRP: $1219|Avg: $50
94%
#87
Opteron 6328
MSRP: $575|Avg: $42
92%
#88
EPYC 4465P
MSRP: $399|Avg: $399
92%
#89
Xeon W-2145
MSRP: $1113|Avg: $145
90%
#90
Xeon E7450
MSRP: $417|Avg: $80
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1240 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1240 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 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 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 5,361, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationXeon E3-1240
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,160 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)69 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score5,361
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1240 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationXeon E3-1240
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E3-1240 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationXeon E3-1240
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload80 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)69 °C
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $39 (MSRP: $273), the Xeon E3-1240 delivers 137 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1820 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon E3-1240
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$273
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$39
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$209
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1820
Release DateLaunch date3 April 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1240

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