A8-3850 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2

A8-3850 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 Performance Spectrum

A8-3850

4 / 4

2,421

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2 / 4

2,397

0.0%

Processor N50

Pentium Dual Core T2370

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A8-3850 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-3850 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-3850

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Trade-offs

❌488.2% higher power demand at 100W vs 17W.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 100W, a 83W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,397 vs 2,421).
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3850 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3850.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220L v2 better than A8-3850?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while A8-3850 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3850 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E3-1220L v2 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1220L v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3850 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-3850

The A8-3850 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,421 points. Launch price was $90.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,397 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The A8-3850 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3850 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the A8-3850 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L v2 — a 18.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220L v2 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The A8-3850 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3850 scores 2,421 against the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2,397 — a 1% lead for the A8-3850. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3850 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Feature	A8-3850	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.5 GHz+21%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+26%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,421+1%	2,397
Geekbench 6 Single	363	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A8-3850 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A8-3850	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Socket	FM1	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3850) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220L v2). The A8-3850 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3850 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3850 rivals Core i3-2105.