Core i5-3470 vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i5-3470 vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i5-3470 vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i5-3470

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,663 vs 4,680).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1220 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 69W instead of 77W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220 v2 better than Core i5-3470?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3470 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 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1220 v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1220 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i5-3470 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Xeon E3-1220 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3470 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3470

The Core i5-3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,663 points. Launch price was $184.

Xeon E3-1220 v2

The Xeon E3-1220 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 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): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,680 points. Launch price was $220.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3470 and Xeon E3-1220 v2 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3470 scores 4,663 against the Xeon E3-1220 v2's 4,680 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v2. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3470 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v2.

Feature	Core i5-3470	Xeon E3-1220 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,663	4,680