Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1220 v3

Intel

Core i3-1115G4E

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1220 v3

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1220 v3 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1220 v3 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.

Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1220 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1115G4E

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 80W, a 65W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU), while Xeon E3-1220 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1220 v3, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • 4.9% HIGHER MSRP
    $213 MSRPvs$203 MSRP

Xeon E3-1220 v3

2013

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Costs $10 less on MSRP ($203 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,178 vs 5,231).
  • 433.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1115G4E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1115G4E better than Xeon E3-1220 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-1115G4E is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-1115G4E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1115G4E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-1115G4E is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1220 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i3-1115G4E comes in 4.9% more expensive on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $203 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1220 v3 is also 3.9% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 24.6 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1115G4E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013), more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-1115G4E vs Xeon E3-1220 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1115G4E

The Core i3-1115G4E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 5,231 points. Launch price was $285.

Intel

Xeon E3-1220 v3

The Xeon E3-1220 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,178 points. Launch price was $239.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1115G4E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E3-1220 v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115G4E versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v3 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115G4E (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-1115G4E uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115G4E scores 5,231 against the Xeon E3-1220 v3's 5,178 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-1115G4E. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115G4E vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v3.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1220 v3
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+11%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.1 GHz+41%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
256 kB (per core)
Process
10 nm-55%
22 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)
Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark
5,231+1%
5,178
Geekbench 6 Single
1,506
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115G4E uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1220 v3
Socket
FCBGA1449
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1115G4E) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v3). The Core i3-1115G4E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)), while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1115G4E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-1115G4E rivals Ryzen Embedded V2516.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1220 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1115G4E was priced at $213, while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 came in at $203. On launch pricing ($213 vs $203), Xeon E3-1220 v3 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115G4E delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1220 v3 the 3.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-1115G4EXeon E3-1220 v3
MSRP
$213
$203-5%
Performance per Dollar
24.6
25.5+4%
Release Date
2020
2013

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