Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
IntelIntel Xeon E3-1285 v4 Specifications
Xeon E3-1285 v4 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
E3-1285 v4 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Xeon E3-1285 v4 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Xeon E3-1285 v4 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the E3-1285 v4 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Xeon E3-1285 v4's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Broadwell Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in E3-1285 v4 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Broadwell Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Xeon E3-1285 v4 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
E3-1285 v4 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1150 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Xeon E3-1285 v4 uses the Intel Socket 1150 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1150 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the E3-1285 v4 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Xeon E3-1285 v4 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Xeon E3-1285 v4 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the E3-1285 v4 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Xeon E3-1285 v4 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Xeon E3-1285 v4 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Xeon E3-1285 v4 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance. A higher single-core score means snappier system responsiveness in everyday use.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
About Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4
The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 is a 4-core, 8-thread server/workstation processor built on the Broadwell-DT architecture and Intel's 14 nm process. It fits Intel Socket 1150, runs at 3.50 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost, and pairs a 6 MB shared L3 cache with per-core 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 caches. The chip integrates Intel Iris Pro P6300 graphics and supports DDR3 memory with ECC. Its average benchmark score is 1896, the 45th percentile of all CPUs, and its launch MSRP was $556.
How It Compares
The nearestRivals data places the E3-1285 v4 in a very tight cluster. Against the AMD Ryzen 5 1400, the Xeon's average score is 1896 versus 1900, producing a -0.2% delta. That is a nominal gap; the chips are effectively tied in aggregate performance.
Against the Intel Core i7-6700T, the Xeon is ahead by 0.2%, with 1896 against the rival's 1892. This is the only nearest-rival comparison where the Xeon holds a positive delta.
Against the AMD Ryzen 3 5125C, the Xeon trails by 0.3%, at 1896 versus 1902. Against the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H, the Xeon shows the same -0.3% delta, again 1896 versus 1902. All four nearest rivals are separated from the Xeon by no more than 0.3%, which puts this part at the center of a statistically very close group.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Cinebench data separates the CPU's single-thread ceiling from its multi-thread throughput. In Cinebench R15, the single-core score is 93 and the multi-core score is 660. In R20, single-core is 388 and multi-core is 2754. In R23, single-core is 925 and multi-core is 6558. Across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, multi-core results are far larger than single-core results, which is consistent with an 8-thread part.
The clock configuration supports both modes: the 3.50 GHz base clock ensures a floor for all-core operation, while the 3.80 GHz boost clock drives the single-core result. The cache layout, 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, plus 6 MB shared L3, lets single-threaded code keep its working set close, while shared L3 helps thread clusters coordinate data.
For real workloads, this means the E3-1285 v4 is strongest when software splits work into multiple threads. Light, single-threaded tasks will run on the boosted clock, but the aggregate Cinebench numbers indicate that the chip's multi-core profile is what defines its benchmark standing.
Power and Thermals
The E3-1285 v4 has a TDP of 95, placing it in a mid-range thermal class for Socket 1150 processors. The 14 nm process and 182 mm² die are the physical parameters of that envelope; the data does not indicate an extreme cooling requirement. A capable air cooler is the appropriate cooling tier for this part.
The package also includes Intel Iris Pro P6300 integrated graphics. Its memory support is DDR3, dual-channel, 29.9 GB/s, with ECC. Production status is end-of-life, with a release date of 2015-06-01.
FAQ
Q: What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 use?
A: Intel Socket 1150.
Q: Does it support ECC memory?
A: Yes. It supports ECC memory with DDR3 over a dual-channel interface at 29.9 GB/s.
Q: What integrated graphics does it include?
A: Intel Iris Pro P6300.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No. The multiplierUnlocked field is false.
Q: What process node and die size does it use?
A: It is built on Intel's 14 nm process with a 182 mm² die.
Q: What is the production status and release date?
A: It is end-of-life and was released on 2015-06-01.
Benchmark Performance
Direct benchmark scores come from Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. The E3-1285 v4 posts R15 multi-core/single-core scores of 660 and 93, R20 scores of 2754 and 388, and R23 scores of 6558 and 925. The multi-core scores in each version are substantially higher, reiterating that the chip is best fed with parallel work.
The aggregate average benchmark score is 1896. Against the AMD Ryzen 5 1400, the nearestRivals data reports 1900 and a -0.2% delta, putting the Xeon 0.2% behind. Against the Intel Core i7-6700T, the rival average is 1892 with a 0.2% delta, putting the Xeon 0.2% ahead. Against the AMD Ryzen 3 5125C and AMD Ryzen 5 3550H, each rival averages 1902 with a -0.3% delta, putting the Xeon 0.3% behind in both cases.
The entire cluster of average scores runs from 1892 to 1902. With a 45th percentile rank, the Xeon sits in the middle of the database, and its nearest rivals are separated by no more than 0.3%. The benchmark performance is therefore defined more by consistency than by any single standout score.
If the Cinebench scores are read together, the single-core results are never close to the multi-core results. In R15, 93 versus 660; in R20, 388 versus 2754; in R23, 925 versus 6558. The relationship holds in R15, R20, and R23, so the multi-threaded behavior is not an artifact of one benchmark. At the aggregate level, the Xeon's 1896 average is effectively the center of its nearest-rival group, and the largest delta to any listed rival is 0.3%.
The AMD Equivalent of Xeon E3-1285 v4
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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