Core i7-3820 vs Xeon E5-1620
Core i7-3820
Xeon E5-1620
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3820 is positioned at rank 791 and the Xeon E5-1620 is on rank 953, so the Core i7-3820 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3820
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1620
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+131%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3820 and Xeon E5-1620
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 E5-1620
The Xeon E5-1620 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 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: 5,848 points. Launch price was $313.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3820 and Xeon E5-1620 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Xeon E5-1620's 5,848 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-1620. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 624 vs 612, a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-3820 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 10240 kB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 10240 kB (total) | 10240 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,787 | 5,848+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,469 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 624+2% | 612 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,250 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Xeon E5-1620 supports up to 375 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 141.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3820) and Intel C600,Intel X79 (Xeon E5-1620).
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 375 GB+486% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) vs true (Xeon E5-1620). Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3820 launched at $286 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-1620 debuted at $885. At current prices ($30 vs $70), the Core i7-3820 is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 192.9 pts/$ vs 83.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 — making the Core i7-3820 the 79.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Xeon E5-1620 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $286-68% | $885 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-57% | $70 |
| Performance per Dollar | 192.9+131% | 83.5 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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