Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5

The Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5 is a 4-core, 8-thread Skylake-based processor designed for server and workstation systems. It runs at a 3.50 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.90 GHz, with an 80 W TDP. In the benchmark database, it holds a 47th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average score of 2031. Its nearest rivals—other E3 v5 parts and a high-end 2011-era Core i7—are all within 0.3% of its performance, making it a competent but aging chip that still holds its own in a narrow performance band.

Who Should Consider It

The E3-1240 v5 is best suited for users running software that benefits from a modest number of threads but also demands solid single-thread responsiveness. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 991 and multi-core score of 7024 indicate it can handle everyday productivity, legacy workstation applications, and lightly threaded creative tasks without issue. The R15 multicore score of 708 and single-core score of 99 reinforce that pattern: it is a balanced performer for its era, but not a leader.

For gaming, the lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory, but the 3.90 GHz boost clock and 8 threads are adequate for many titles from the same period. However, the 47th percentile ranking suggests it sits below the midpoint of the entire CPU pool, so modern AAA games or heavy streaming would likely strain it. Creation workloads that are lightly threaded—such as photo editing, audio production, or older 3D modeling tools—will see reasonable performance, while heavy 3D rendering or video encoding will expose the 4-core limit. Office and productivity tasks, especially those that are single-threaded, will feel responsive.

Given its server/workstation market segment, it is also a candidate for legacy ECC memory systems, as it supports both DDR3 and DDR4 with ECC. The 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth is sufficient for many memory-bound server applications. In short, this CPU is for users with older software that doesn't need many cores, or for homelab builders who need ECC on a proven platform.

How It Compares

The E3-1240 v5's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5, which has an average score of 2028. The E3-1240 v5 leads by 0.2%, a negligible margin. Both chips share the same core/thread count and similar clock structure, so real-world differences are within noise.

The Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 also sits 0.2% behind, with an average score of 2026. Again, the performance delta is imperceptible. The 1280 v5 typically runs at a slightly higher clock, but in this benchmark database the 1240 v5 edges it out.

The Intel Core i7-3960X, a six-core part from the earlier Sandy Bridge-E generation, scores 2036 on average—0.3% higher than the E3-1240 v5. Despite having two fewer physical cores, the Xeon matches the older six-core chip because of its newer architecture and higher per-clock efficiency.

Finally, the Intel Xeon E3-1260L v5, a lower-power variant, scores 2025 and trails the E3-1240 v5 by 0.3%. The 1260L's reduced TDP comes with a slight performance cost, but the difference is small enough to be irrelevant in most workloads.

Overall, the E3-1240 v5 sits in a tight cluster of CPUs that are effectively indistinguishable in average benchmark performance. Its 47th percentile ranking places it just below the middle of the database, meaning it is outclassed by the majority of modern processors but still capable for its intended niche.

Platform and Compatibility

The E3-1240 v5 uses the Intel Socket 1151, which was introduced with the Skylake generation. It is built on Intel's 14 nm process, with 1,750 million transistors on a 122 mm² die. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Memory support includes both DDR3 and DDR4 in a dual-channel configuration, with a peak bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, a key feature for workstation reliability. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which is sufficient for a single high-end GPU or a few NVMe drives, though lane count is limited compared to larger HEDT platforms.

There is no integrated graphics on this chip, so a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output. The production status is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured and availability is limited to the used market. The launch MSRP was $282. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible. The part number is SR2LD.

Upgrade path considerations: because the CPU is end-of-life and uses an older socket, users are limited to other Skylake-generation processors on the same platform. However, the database does not provide specific upgrade options beyond the nearest rivals listed. For those already on Socket 1151 with a compatible motherboard, the E3-1240 v5 can serve as a drop-in replacement for lower-end parts, though those names are not in the fact pack. The platform's support for both DDR3 and DDR4 gives some flexibility when reusing existing memory.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, it supports ECC memory, along with both DDR3 and DDR4 modules in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: No, the E3-1240 v5 does not include integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.

Q: What is the launch MSRP?

A: The launch MSRP was $282.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked; overclocking is not supported.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz.

Q: What is the process node and die size?

A: It is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process, with 1,750 million transistors on a 122 mm² die.

Power and Thermals

The E3-1240 v5 has a TDP of 80 W. This is a moderate power draw for a server/workstation CPU. A capable air cooler is sufficient for most environments, though the exact cooler size is not specified here. The 80 W TDP means it does not require exotic liquid cooling or a high-end tower cooler. In a small form factor workstation or a 1U server, it can be managed with a low-profile cooler, but again, we cannot specify dimensions. The lack of integrated graphics reduces overall system power consumption compared to CPUs with iGPUs. The 14 nm process helps keep thermals in check relative to older 32 nm or 22 nm parts. For users building a quiet workstation, the 80 W class is easy to cool with a standard air cooler.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark results show a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 991, while the multi-core score is 7024. The multi-core score is substantially higher than the single-core score, reflecting the 8 threads available. In R20, the single-core score is 416 and multi-core is 2950. In R15, single-core is 99 and multi-core is 708. The pattern holds across Cinebench versions, indicating that the CPU's 8 threads are effectively utilized in multi-threaded workloads.

However, the single-core scores are modest by current standards. For example, the R23 single-core score of 991 is far below what modern desktop CPUs achieve. This means that tasks relying on a single thread—such as many games or older applications—will see limited performance. Conversely, applications that can use all 8 threads, like video encoding or 3D rendering, will benefit from the multi-core performance, though the absolute multi-core score is still low compared to modern 8-core or 16-core parts.

The 47th percentile ranking reflects this balance: the CPU is better than 47% of all CPUs in the database, but that includes many older and lower-end parts. Its strength lies in being a well-rounded performer for its generation, not in leading any specific metric.

Benchmark Performance

The E3-1240 v5 achieves an average benchmark score of 2031 across all tests, placing it at the 47th percentile. Its closest rival, the Xeon E3-1275 v5, scores 2028, a delta of 0.2% in favor of the E3-1240 v5. The E3-1280 v5 scores 2026, also 0.2% behind. The Core i7-3960X scores 2036, which is 0.3% higher than the E3-1240 v5. The Xeon E3-1260L v5 scores 2025, 0.3% lower.

In individual Cinebench tests, the E3-1240 v5 posts 708 in R15 multi-core and 99 in single-core. In R20, it scores 2950 multi-core and 416 single-core. In R23, it scores 7024 multi-core and 991 single-core. These scores are consistent with a 4-core/8-thread Skylake part clocked at 3.50-3.90 GHz.

The deltas to its nearest rivals are all within 0.3%, which means that in real-world usage, there is no meaningful performance difference between these CPUs. The 47th percentile indicates that the E3-1240 v5 sits just below the median of the entire CPU benchmark database. It is outperformed by the majority of modern processors, but it remains a viable option for legacy systems or specific server workloads where ECC support and a proven platform are more important than raw speed.

The lack of integrated graphics and the locked multiplier are notable limitations, but for its intended server/workstation segment, those are not deal-breakers. The 80 W TDP and dual-channel memory support make it a straightforward drop-in for many existing Socket 1151 boards.