Core i5-1030NG7 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6

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 i5-1030NG7 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 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 i5-1030NG7 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1030NG7

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 10W instead of 72W, a 62W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics G7, while Xeon E3-1220 v6 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1220 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-1030NG7 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,589 vs 5,600).
❌Launch MSRP is still $372 MSRP, while Core i5-1030NG7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌620% higher power demand at 72W vs 10W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1030NG7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-1030NG7 better than Xeon E3-1220 v6?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-1030NG7 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 i5-1030NG7 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.7% 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 i5-1030NG7 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-1030NG7 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1220 v6 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-1030NG7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $372 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1220 v6 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-1030NG7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017), more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-1030NG7 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1030NG7

The Core i5-1030NG7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1044. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1220 v6

The Xeon E3-1220 v6 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 March 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 72 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,589 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-1030NG7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220 v6's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-1030NG7 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1030NG7 scores 5,600 against the Xeon E3-1220 v6's 5,589 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-1030NG7. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-1030NG7 vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1220 v6.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	3 GHz+173%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake-Y (2020)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,600	5,589
Geekbench 6 Single	1,239	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the BGA1044 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Socket	BGA1044	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4-3733	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-1030NG7) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v6). The Core i5-1030NG7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics G7), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1030NG7 targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-1030NG7 rivals Ryzen 5 4500U.