Intel Xeon E3-1265L V2

The Intel Xeon E3-1265L V2 brings 4 cores and 8 threads. Clocks span 2.5GHz base to 2.5GHz boost. 16MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500 graphics let it run headless-GPU builds and troubleshooting. It drops into the LGA1155 socket with a 45W TDP — about 11.3W per core.

Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP. At $398.95 it sits in the high-end processor bracket. Use the PlanMyPC system builder to verify it works alongside your other components and to watch live retailer pricing. Support and warranty service run through Intel, with terms that vary by region.