Core i7-3820 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-3820 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-3820 vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-3820

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $286 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1225 v6 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌78.1% higher power demand at 130W vs 73W.

Xeon E3-1225 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 73W instead of 130W, a 57W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3820 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,740 vs 5,787).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820 better than Xeon E3-1225 v6?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3820 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3820 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.2% 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, Core i7-3820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-3820 is the better buy right now. Core i7-3820 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $286 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1225 v6 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3820 vs Xeon E3-1225 v6 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3820

The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.

Xeon E3-1225 v6

The Xeon E3-1225 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,740 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3820 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1225 v6's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v6 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Xeon E3-1225 v6's 5,740 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3820. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1225 v6.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Xeon E3-1225 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+3%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+9%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	10240 kB (total)+25%	8 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,787	5,740
Geekbench 6 Single	624	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1225 v6 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Xeon E3-1225 v6
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) / not specified (Xeon E3-1225 v6). Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.