Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5 vs Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5 and Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3 are both 4-core, 8-thread server processors with identical base and boost clocks, but the benchmark database shows a clear generational advantage for the newer Skylake part. Across every recorded Cinebench iteration, the E3-1230 v5 wins by a consistent margin, while the E3-1231 v3 counters with a lower average benchmark score and a slightly lower percentile ranking. The data indicates that the E3-1230 v5 is the stronger overall performer, though the E3-1231 v3 retains relevance in its own socket generation.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The six head-to-head comparisons in the database all favor the Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E3-1230 v5 scores 678 against 601 for the E3-1231 v3, a lead of 12.8%. The single-core R15 test shows an even larger gap: 95 versus 84, a 13.1% advantage. These two tests establish the pattern that carries through every other workload.

Cinebench R20 multi-core results reinforce the trend. The E3-1230 v5 posts 2827 points, while the E3-1231 v3 manages 2506, again a 12.8% difference. In R20 single-core, the scores are 399 and 353 respectively, a 13% edge for the v5. The consistency of these deltas, all landing between 12.8% and 13.1%, suggests a uniform architectural efficiency gain rather than a workload-specific quirk.

The most recent Cinebench R23 tests tell the same story. Multi-core sees the E3-1230 v5 at 6733 and the E3-1231 v3 at 5967, a 12.8% win. Single-core R23 gives the v5 a 950 to 842 victory, also 12.8%. With six wins out of six head-to-head benchmarks, the E3-1230 v5 is the unequivocal leader in raw compute performance.

The E3-1231 v3 does hold one unique advantage in the broader benchmark set: it has recorded Geekbench scores that the E3-1230 v5 lacks. The database lists 3939 for Geekbench multi-core and 1109 for single-core on the v3, but no corresponding Geekbench entries exist for the v5. This does not change the head-to-head outcome, but it means the v3 has a wider range of validated test results.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5 wins in every category where both processors have comparable test data. Multi-threaded workloads, such as video rendering or compilation, benefit directly from the 12.8% lead in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core scores. Single-threaded performance also favors the v5, with 13.1% and 13% leads in R15 and R20 single-core, plus a 12.8% edge in R23. This means the v5 is the better choice for both heavily parallel tasks and lightly threaded applications.

The E3-1231 v3 has no benchmark wins in the head-to-head set, but its Geekbench results give it a claim to verified performance in that specific test suite. Those scores, 3939 multi-core and 1109 single-core, are not directly comparable to the v5 because the v5 has no Geekbench entry in the database. For users who rely on Geekbench as their primary metric, the v3 offers documented numbers, but the absence of v5 data prevents any conclusion about which part would win that test.

For workloads that stress memory bandwidth, the v5 holds a structural edge. Its memory bandwidth is recorded at 34.1 GB/s, while the v3 sits at 25.6 GB/s. This 8.5 GB/s gap can translate to measurable gains in memory-intensive applications, even if the Cinebench results already capture much of that difference. The v5 also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, whereas the v3 is limited to DDR3, giving the newer part more flexibility in system configuration.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The E3-1230 v5 uses Skylake, specifically the Skylake-DT codename, while the E3-1231 v3 is built on Haswell, with the Haswell-WS codename. This generational split is the primary driver of the performance gap.

The manufacturing process differs significantly. The v5 is fabricated on a 14 nm node, while the v3 uses a 22 nm process. The smaller node allows the v5 to pack more transistors: 1,750 million versus 1,400 million for the v3. Interestingly, the v5 achieves this higher transistor count on a smaller die, measuring 122 mm² compared to the v3's 160 mm². This density improvement is typical of the process shrink and contributes to the v5's efficiency gains.

Both processors share the same core and thread counts, with 4 cores and 8 threads each. Cache configurations are also identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The v5 does not gain any extra cache from its newer architecture, so the performance difference comes from the improved execution pipeline and memory subsystem rather than larger caches.

Memory support is a key differentiator. The v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the v3 only supports DDR3. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the v5's recorded memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s exceeds the v3's 25.6 GB/s. The v5 also uses a different socket, Intel Socket 1151, compared to the v3's Intel Socket 1150, which means they are not interchangeable in existing motherboards.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several recorded specifications. The process node is 14 nm for the v5 and 22 nm for the v3. Transistor counts are 1,750 million versus 1,400 million, and die sizes are 122 mm² versus 160 mm². These three figures all point to the v5's manufacturing advantage.

Memory support is another differentiator. The v5 supports DDR3 and DDR4, while the v3 supports only DDR3. Memory bandwidth is recorded at 34.1 GB/s for the v5 and 25.6 GB/s for the v3. The socket changes from Intel Socket 1150 on the v3 to Intel Socket 1151 on the v5.

The release dates differ by over a year. The E3-1231 v3 was released on 2014-05-10, while the E3-1230 v5 followed on 2015-10-18. The part numbers are SR1R5 for the v3 and SR2LE for the v5. Both processors have an 80 TDP, both are locked (multiplier not unlocked), and both support ECC memory.

The launch MSRP for the E3-1230 v5 is $261, while the E3-1231 v3 has a launch MSRP of $250. Both are end-of-life parts with no integrated graphics. The market segment for both is Server/Workstation, and both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5 has an average benchmark score of 1947, compared to 1925 for the Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3.

Q: What is the largest single benchmark lead for the E3-1230 v5?

A: The largest lead is in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the v5 scores 95 against 84 for the v3, a 13.1% advantage.

Q: Does the E3-1231 v3 support DDR4 memory?

A: No, the E3-1231 v3 supports only DDR3 memory, while the E3-1230 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4.

Q: How do the TDP ratings compare?

A: Both processors have the same TDP of 80 watts, despite the v5 using a smaller 14 nm process node.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The E3-1230 v5 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the E3-1231 v3 has 25.6 GB/s, a gap of 8.5 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking among all CPUs?

A: The E3-1230 v5 ranks in the 44th percentile, while the E3-1231 v3 ranks in the 43rd percentile.

The Verdict

The benchmark data makes a clear recommendation for the Intel Xeon E3-1230 v5. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests with margins between 12.8% and 13.1%, holds a higher average benchmark score (1947 versus 1925), and ranks higher in the overall percentile (44th versus 43rd). Its memory bandwidth advantage, 34.1 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s, and support for DDR4 memory make it the more future-proof option for new server or workstation builds.

The E3-1231 v3 is not without merit. Its Geekbench scores, 3939 multi-core and 1109 single-core, are the only recorded results in that suite for either processor, which may matter to users who specifically rely on Geekbench for validation. Its lower launch MSRP of $250 (versus $261 for the v5) is the sole recorded price difference, but the performance gap easily justifies the small premium for the v5.

Users with an existing Intel Socket 1150 motherboard and DDR3 memory should consider the E3-1231 v3 as a drop-in upgrade path, since the v5 requires a new Socket 1151 board and potentially DDR4 modules. However, for any new build, the E3-1230 v5 is the superior choice based on every comparable benchmark in the database. The 12.8% multi-core lead and 13.1% single-core lead are consistent across all Cinebench versions, indicating a reliable architectural advantage that will persist across varied workloads.