CPU
GPU
Core i3-3220T
Xeon X6550
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-3220T is positioned at rank 939 and the Xeon X6550 is on rank 879, so the Xeon X6550 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3220T
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X6550
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3220T | Xeon X6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($146) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3220T | Xeon X6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($146) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3220T and Xeon X6550
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 X6550
The Xeon X6550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,936 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3220T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X6550 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon X6550 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon X6550 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-3220T is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Xeon X6550's 1,936 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-3220T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X6550.
| Feature | Core i3-3220T | Xeon X6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 8 / 16+300% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+17% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+40% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 18 MB L3 Cache+500% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | — |
| PassMark | 1,953 | 1,936 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 465 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X6550 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-3220T) vs 4 (Xeon X6550). Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T) and Nehalem-EX (Xeon X6550).
| Feature | Core i3-3220T | Xeon X6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1567 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X6550). The Core i3-3220T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the Xeon X6550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop, Xeon X6550 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500; Xeon X6550 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Core i3-3220T | Xeon X6550 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | Server |
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