Core i3-3220 vs Xeon L5520

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 i3-3220 vs Xeon L5520 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 i3-3220 vs Xeon L5520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Xeon L5520 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon L5520.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5520 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Xeon L5520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,274 vs 2,276).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220 better than Xeon L5520?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3220 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, Core i3-3220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3220 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon L5520 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3220 vs Xeon L5520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

Xeon L5520

The Xeon L5520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,274 points. Launch price was $100.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3220 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L5520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 versus 2.48 GHz on the Xeon L5520 — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i3-3220 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon L5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220 scores 2,276 against the Xeon L5520's 2,274 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3220. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon L5520.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Xeon L5520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+33%	2.48 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+46%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,276	2,274
Geekbench 6 Single	503	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Xeon L5520
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220) / not specified (Xeon L5520). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon L5520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.