Core i5-661 vs Xeon E3-1220L 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 i5-661 vs Xeon E3-1220L 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 i5-661 vs Xeon E3-1220L 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 i5-661

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,387 vs 2,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌411.8% higher power demand at 87W vs 17W.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 17W instead of 87W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220L v2 better than Core i5-661?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-661 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 E3-1220L v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1220L v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1220L v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i5-661 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010), 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-661 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-661

The Core i5-661 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 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): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,397 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-661 and Xeon E3-1220L v2 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L v2 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-661 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-661 scores 2,387 against the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2,397 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L v2. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Feature	Core i5-661	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+45%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,387	2,397

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-661 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.