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Xeon E3‑1290 v2 is the highest‑clocked 8‑thread Ivy Bridge CPU without an integrated GPU. Its frequency is 200 MHz higher than the Core i7‑3770, but even today it remains unjustifiably expensive and extremely rare.
Like other server processors for LGA1155, it works in standard consumer motherboards; however, ECC memory support only works on C‑series server chipsets (C202/C204/C206/C216).
Specifications
| Model | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|
| Process technology | 22 nm |
| Cores \ Threads | 4 \ 8 |
| Memory support | DDR3-1600, 2-channel |
| Base clock | 3500 MHz |
| Max Turbo Boost frequency | 4100 MHz (1 core) 4000 MHz (2 cores) 3900 MHz (3-4 cores) |
| Supported technologies | MMX instructions SSE / Streaming SIMD Extensions SSE2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 SSE3 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 SSSE3 / Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 SSE4 / SSE4.1 + SSE4.2 / Streaming SIMD Extensions 4 AES / Advanced Encryption Standard instructions AVX / Advanced Vector Extensions F16C / 16-bit floating-point conversion instructions EM64T / Intel 64 NX / XD / Execute Disable Bit HT / Hyper-Threading Technology VT-x / Virtualization Technology VT-d / Virtualization for Directed I/O TBT 2.0 / Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 TXT / Trusted Execution Technology SMEP / Supervisor Mode Execution Protection Enhanced SpeedStep Technology |
| PCIe lanes | 16 (PCIe 3.0) |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB |
| TDP | 87 W |
| Max CPU case temperature | 70.7°C |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Approximate price | $75-$90 (Aliexpress) |
Unlike most 8‑thread Xeon E3 v2 CPUs, this model has a higher TDP and is more demanding both on cooling and on the motherboard’s power delivery. Using it on the most basic boards (especially under prolonged heavy loads) is not recommended.
For heat dissipation, it’s better to use tower coolers with 4 or more heatpipes. Also note that the stock thermal interface has most likely degraded by now. To achieve lower temperatures, delidding may help.
Overclocking
The entire Xeon E3 lineup for LGA1155 has a locked multiplier, so the only way to raise frequency is BCLK overclocking, typically available on P‑ and Z‑series boards. Even then, expect only about 3–7% (BCLK ~103–107 MHz) — minor gains overall. Only certain high‑end motherboards with an external clock generator (PLL) allow higher BCLK values.
A more meaningful advantage of P‑ and Z‑series boards is the ability to overclock memory beyond the stock 1600 MHz, which can lift overall performance. On other chipsets, you’re typically limited to stock performance.
If you have a quality P‑ or Z‑series board, it may make sense to look for a Core i7‑3770K. Even with a moderate overclock, it will deliver higher performance than the Xeon E3‑1290 v2, and the Core i7 may even cost less.
Performance and Tests
At this point there are virtually no modern tests of the E3‑1290 v2. The CPU is extremely rare, and purchasing it is seldom justified. To estimate performance, use stock Core i7‑3770 or Xeon E3‑1270 v2 results, keeping in mind that the 1290 v2 will be around 5% faster.
Revisions
Besides the retail version, there are also engineering‑sample versions of the E3‑1290 v2. Identify them by the S‑Spec on the heatspreader. The retail S‑Spec is SR0PC. You can also check S‑Spec/stepping in the HWiNFO utility.
| S‑Spec code | Stepping | Version |
| SR0PC | E1 | Retail |
| QC3W | E1 | ES/QS |
Close Alternatives
Models with similar performance and no integrated GPU:
- Xeon E3‑1230 v2 (3.7 GHz max turbo)
- Xeon E3‑1240 v2 (3.8 GHz max turbo)
- Xeon E3‑1270 v2 (3.9 GHz max turbo)
- Xeon E3‑1280 v2 (4.0 GHz max turbo)