Core i3-4370 vs Xeon E3-1220

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 i3-4370 vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i3-4370 vs Xeon E3-1220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4370

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 54W instead of 80W, a 26W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1220 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E3-1220.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,854 vs 3,859).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1220, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1220

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4370 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌48.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4370 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4370.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4370 better than Xeon E3-1220?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4370 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 E3-1220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i3-4370 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4370 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1220 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4370 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4370 vs Xeon E3-1220 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4370

The Core i3-4370 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,854 points. Launch price was $242.

Xeon E3-1220

The Xeon E3-1220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,859 points. Launch price was $395.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4370 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E3-1220 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-4370 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-4370 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-4370 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4370 scores 3,854 against the Xeon E3-1220's 3,859 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1220. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4370 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220.

Feature	Core i3-4370	Xeon E3-1220
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+12%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+23%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,854	3,859
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,454	—
Geekbench 6 Single	904	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,071	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4370 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4370	Xeon E3-1220
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-4370) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220). The Core i3-4370 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1220 requires a dedicated GPU.