Core i5-4590S vs Xeon E3-1220 v3

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 i5-4590S vs Xeon E3-1220 v3 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 i5-4590S vs Xeon E3-1220 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590S

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $11 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $203 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1220 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,131 vs 5,178).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1220 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4590S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌
5.7% HIGHER MSRP
$203 MSRPvs$192 MSRP
❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590S better than Xeon E3-1220 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4590S 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 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% 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?

Core i5-4590S is the better buy right now. Core i5-4590S comes in $11 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $203 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1220 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 4.8% better value on MSRP (26.7 vs 25.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590S vs Xeon E3-1220 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590S

The Core i5-4590S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,131 points. Launch price was $291.

Xeon E3-1220 v3

The Xeon E3-1220 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,178 points. Launch price was $239.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4590S and Xeon E3-1220 v3 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590S versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v3 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590S (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-4590S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590S scores 5,131 against the Xeon E3-1220 v3's 5,178 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590S vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v3.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Xeon E3-1220 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.1 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,131	5,178
Geekbench 6 Single	1,116	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Xeon E3-1220 v3
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590S) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v3). The Core i5-4590S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590S targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590S rivals A10-7850K.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Xeon E3-1220 v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590S was priced at $192, while the Xeon E3-1220 v3 came in at $203. On launch pricing ($192 vs $203), Core i5-4590S was $11 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590S delivers 26.7 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v3 — making the Core i5-4590S the 4.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Xeon E3-1220 v3
MSRP	$192-5%	$203
Performance per Dollar	26.7+5%	25.5
Release Date	2014	2013

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