Core i3-3220 vs Xeon X3350

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 X3350 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 X3350: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Xeon X3350 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon X3350.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3350 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,276 vs 2,291).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Xeon X3350 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X3350

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.3% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌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 Xeon X3350 better than Core i3-3220?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3350 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X3350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.3% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X3350 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X3350 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (19.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220 vs Xeon X3350 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 X3350

The Xeon X3350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,291 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3220 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3220 scores 2,276 against the Xeon X3350's 2,291 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X3350. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3350.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Xeon X3350
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+24%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	2,276	2,291
Geekbench 6 Single	503	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3350 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Xeon X3350
Socket	LGA1155	LGA775
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220) / not specified (Xeon X3350). The Core i3-3220 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon X3350 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.