Core i5-6300HQ 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 i5-6300HQ 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 i5-6300HQ 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 i5-6300HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 69W, a 24W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E3-1220 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,672 vs 4,680).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1220 v2

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌53.3% higher power demand at 69W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6300HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220 v2 better than Core i5-6300HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6300HQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1220 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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, Xeon E3-1220 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1220 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-6300HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6300HQ vs Xeon E3-1220 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6300HQ

The Core i5-6300HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,672 points. Launch price was $250.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6300HQ and Xeon E3-1220 v2 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6300HQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 — a 9% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220 v2 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-6300HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6300HQ scores 4,672 against the Xeon E3-1220 v2's 4,680 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v2. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6300HQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v2.

Feature	Core i5-6300HQ	Xeon E3-1220 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3.1 GHz+35%
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,672	4,680
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6300HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-6300HQ	Xeon E3-1220 v2
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6300HQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v2). The Core i5-6300HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6300HQ targets Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6300HQ rivals A12-9730P.