Core i3-1220P vs Xeon W-2135

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-2135 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-2135: 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: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 140W, a 112W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Xeon W-2135 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W-2135

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-1220P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,396 vs 14,496).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌400% higher power demand at 140W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i3-1220P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1220P better than Xeon W-2135?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2135 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 9.9% 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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 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 at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (58.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1220P vs Xeon W-2135 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-2135

The Xeon W-2135 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,396 points. Launch price was $835.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-2135 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i3-1220P has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2135 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2135 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon W-2135 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Xeon W-2135's 14,396 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-1220P. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-1220P vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2135.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-2135
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+147%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+45%	8.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-P (2022)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	14,496	14,396
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 W-2135 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Xeon W-2135
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-1220P) / not specified (Xeon W-2135). The Core i3-1220P includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 64EU), while the Xeon W-2135 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.