Core i7-3517UE 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 i7-3517UE 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 i7-3517UE 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 i7-3517UE

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,384 vs 2,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $330 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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 i7-3517UE?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3517UE 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 E3-1220L v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 E3-1220L v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% 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 the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E3-1220L v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $330 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3517UE only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.9% in the shared gaming data.

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 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 i7-3517UE vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3517UE

The Core i7-3517UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,384 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3517UE and Xeon E3-1220L v2 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-3517UE versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L v2 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220L v2 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3517UE scores 2,384 against the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2,397 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L v2. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3517UE vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Feature	Core i7-3517UE	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	3.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.3 GHz+35%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,384	2,397

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3517UE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.