Core i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K 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 i5-4670K

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($328 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.0 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($328 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1220 v6 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,584 vs 5,589).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌16.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 72W.

Xeon E3-1220 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 72W instead of 84W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4670K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 17.0 PassMark/$ ($372 MSRP vs $328 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4670K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4670K.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220 v6 better than Core i5-4670K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4670K 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 v6 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 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 v6 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1220 v6 comes in 13.4% more expensive on MSRP at $372 MSRP versus $328 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Core i5-4670K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 13.3% better value on paper (17.0 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013), 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 i5-4670K vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4670K

The Core i5-4670K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,584 points. Launch price was $266.

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

Both the Core i5-4670K and Xeon E3-1220 v6 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Xeon E3-1220 v6's 5,589 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v6. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1220 v6.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+9%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+13%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,584	5,589
Geekbench 6 Single	975	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1151
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, EPT (Core i5-4670K) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v6). The Core i5-4670K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4670K was priced at $328, while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 came in at $372. On launch pricing ($328 vs $372), Core i5-4670K was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4670K delivers 17.0 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — making the Core i5-4670K the 12.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4670K	Xeon E3-1220 v6
MSRP	$328-12%	$372
Performance per Dollar	17.0+13%	15.0
Release Date	2013	2017

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