Core i3-3220T vs Xeon E5506

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 i3-3220T vs Xeon E5506 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 i3-3220T vs Xeon E5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220T

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2500, while Xeon E5506 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5506.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,953 vs 1,961).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5506, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Xeon E5506 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5506

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3220T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Xeon E5506?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3220T 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 E5506 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-3220T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5506 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3220T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220T vs Xeon E5506 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220T

The Core i3-3220T 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,953 points. Launch price was $201.

Xeon E5506

The Xeon E5506 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,961 points. Launch price was $43.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5506 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5506 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5506 — a 182.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Xeon E5506's 1,961 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5506. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5506.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Xeon E5506
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+2054%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+31%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
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	1,953	1,961
Geekbench 6 Single	465	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Xeon E5506
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) / not specified (Xeon E5506). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon E5506 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.