Core i3-3245 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2

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 i3-3245 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 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 i3-3245 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $120 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌223.5% higher power demand at 55W vs 17W.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 55W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,397 vs 2,412).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than Xeon E3-1220L v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-3245 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 i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3245 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3245 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $120 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3245 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,397 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3245 and Xeon E3-1220L v2 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2,397 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+48%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,412	2,397

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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 (Core i3-3245) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220L v2). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.