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 W-1290TE 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 W-1290TE: 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: +8.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $302 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 120.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 58.0 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Draws 28W instead of 35W, a 7W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290TE, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-1290TE

2020

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-1220P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,478 vs 8,056).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.3 vs 58.0 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌25% higher power demand at 35W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i3-1220P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1220P better than Xeon W-1290TE?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290TE 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-1220P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1220P is the stronger fit. You are getting 225.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads.

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 $302 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $552 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 120.7% better value on MSRP (58.0 vs 26.3 PassMark/$), 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 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1220P vs Xeon W-1290TE Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon W-1290TE

The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, matching the Xeon W-1290TE's 10 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290TE (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Xeon W-1290TE's 14,505 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,971 vs 2,507, a 23.9% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,056 vs 2,478 (105.9% advantage for the Core i3-1220P). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-1220P vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-1290TE
Cores / Threads	10 / 12	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	1.8 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-P (2022)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	14,496	14,505
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,921	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,971	2,507+27%
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,056+225%	2,478

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1220P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-1220P versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE — the Core i3-1220P supports 63.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-1290TE supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-1220P) vs 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) — the Core i3-1220P offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series (Core i3-1220P) and W480 (Xeon W-1290TE).

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-1290TE
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+64%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 64EU (Core i3-1220P) and Intel UHD Graphics P630 (Xeon W-1290TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation, Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-1290TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 64EU	Intel UHD Graphics P630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1220P was priced at $250, while the Xeon W-1290TE came in at $552. On launch pricing ($250 vs $552), Core i3-1220P was $302 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1220P delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290TE — making the Core i3-1220P the 75.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-1290TE
MSRP	$250-55%	$552
Performance per Dollar	58.0+121%	26.3
Release Date	2022	2020

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