CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6550
Xeon E3-1220L v3
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo E6550 is positioned at rank 1022 and the Xeon E3-1220L v3 is on rank 939, so the Xeon E3-1220L v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6550
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1220L v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-WS (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6550 and Xeon E3-1220L v3
Core 2 Duo E6550
The Core 2 Duo E6550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,395 points. Launch price was $249.
Xeon E3-1220L v3
The Xeon E3-1220L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4096 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,407 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo E6550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220L v3's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus 1.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L v3 — a 43.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6550 (base: 2.33 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6550 scores 1,395 against the Xeon E3-1220L v3's 1,407 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L v3. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo E6550 vs 4096 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v3.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.33 GHz+55% | 1.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.33 GHz+112% | 1.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4096 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 22 nm-66% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Haswell-WS (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 1,395 | 1,407 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6550 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon E3-1220L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core 2 Duo E6550 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1220L v3 — the Core 2 Duo E6550 supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E3-1220L v3 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6550) and C222,C224,C226 (Xeon E3-1220L v3).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 32 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6550) vs VT-P (Xeon E3-1220L v3). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6550 rivals Athlon 64 X2 6000+.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-P |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo E6550 launched at $163 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1220L v3 debuted at $193. At current prices ($20 vs $30), the Core 2 Duo E6550 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E6550 delivers 69.8 pts/$ vs 46.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220L v3 — making the Core 2 Duo E6550 the 39.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6550 | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $163-16% | $193 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-33% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.8+49% | 46.9 |
| Release Date | 2007 | 2013 |
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