Core i3-1220P vs Xeon E5-2687W v3

Intel

Core i3-1220P

10 Cores12 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2687W v3

10 Cores20 Thrd160 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i3-1220P vs Xeon E5-2687W 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 i3-1220P vs Xeon E5-2687W 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 i3-1220P vs Xeon E5-2687W 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 i3-1220P

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,891 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
  • Delivers 753.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 58.0 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
  • Draws 28W instead of 160W, a 132W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (14,496 vs 14,538).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2687W v3, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2687W v3

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-1220P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 58.0 PassMark/$ ($2,141 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • 471.4% higher power demand at 160W vs 28W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2011 with DDR4, while Core i3-1220P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1220P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1220P better than Xeon E5-2687W v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2687W v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-1220P 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, Xeon E5-2687W v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-1220P is the better buy right now. Core i3-1220P comes in $1,891 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $2,141 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2687W v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 753.9% better value on MSRP (58.0 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1220P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2014) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1220P vs Xeon E5-2687W v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1220P

The Core i3-1220P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,496 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5-2687W v3

The Xeon E5-2687W v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 14,538 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, matching the Xeon E5-2687W v3's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2687W v3 — a 22.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1220P (base: 1.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E5-2687W v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Xeon E5-2687W v3's 14,538 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2687W v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-1220P vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2687W v3.

FeatureCore i3-1220PXeon E5-2687W v3
Cores / Threads
10 / 12
10 / 20
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+26%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
3.1 GHz+107%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
Intel 7 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Alder Lake-P (2022)
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
14,496
14,538
Cinebench R23 Multi
10,921
Geekbench 6 Single
1,971
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,056
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1220P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-2687W v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-1220P versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2687W v3 — the Core i3-1220P supports 125% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2687W v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-1220P) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2687W v3). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-1220P) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2687W v3) — the Xeon E5-2687W v3 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series (Core i3-1220P) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2687W v3).

FeatureCore i3-1220PXeon E5-2687W v3
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800+125%
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
40+100%
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-1220P) / not specified (Xeon E5-2687W v3). The Core i3-1220P includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 64EU), while the Xeon E5-2687W v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.

FeatureCore i3-1220PXeon E5-2687W v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 64EU
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1220P was priced at $250, while the Xeon E5-2687W v3 came in at $2141. On launch pricing ($250 vs $2141), Core i3-1220P was $1891 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1220P delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2687W v3 — making the Core i3-1220P the 158.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-1220PXeon E5-2687W v3
MSRP
$250-88%
$2141
Performance per Dollar
58.0+753%
6.8
Release Date
2022
2014

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