Core i3-4130 vs Xeon X3480

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 i3-4130 vs Xeon X3480 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 i3-4130 vs Xeon X3480: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4130

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $495 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $612 MSRP).
✅Delivers 424.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.5 vs 5.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $612 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 95W, a 41W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3480 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X3480, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon X3480

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 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 (3,327 vs 3,334).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.4 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($612 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌75.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4130 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130 better than Xeon X3480?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3480 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4130 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 i3-4130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4130 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4130 comes in $495 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $612 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X3480 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 424.2% better value on MSRP (28.5 vs 5.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4130 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) 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 i3-4130 vs Xeon X3480 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4130

The Core i3-4130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,334 points. Launch price was $120.

Xeon X3480

The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4130 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X3480 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X3480 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-4130 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Core i3-4130 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X3480 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4130 scores 3,334 against the Xeon X3480's 3,327 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4130. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Xeon X3480
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.73 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+11%	3.06 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	Haswell (2013−2015)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,334	3,327
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,036	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,046	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4130 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3480 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Xeon X3480
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-4130) / not specified (Xeon X3480). The Core i3-4130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130 rivals FX-4130.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Xeon X3480
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4130 was priced at $117, while the Xeon X3480 came in at $612. On launch pricing ($117 vs $612), Core i3-4130 was $495 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4130 delivers 28.5 pts/$ vs 5.4 pts/$ for the Xeon X3480 — making the Core i3-4130 the 135.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Xeon X3480
MSRP	$117-81%	$612
Performance per Dollar	28.5+428%	5.4
Release Date	2013	2010

Search Core i3-4130 on Amazon

Search Xeon X3480 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.