Core i7-3820 vs Xeon E5-1620

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 E5-1620 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 E5-1620: 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

✅+2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $599 less on MSRP ($286 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 206.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.2 vs 6.6 PassMark/$ ($286 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,787 vs 5,848).

Xeon E5-1620

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (612 vs 624).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.6 vs 20.2 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1620 better than Core i7-3820?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1620 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-1620 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E5-1620 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-1620 comes in 209.4% more expensive on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $286 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark. Core i7-3820 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 206.2% better value on paper (20.2 vs 6.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Xeon E5-1620 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3820 vs Xeon E5-1620 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 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.

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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 — 485.9% 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	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3820 was priced at $286, while the Xeon E5-1620 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($286 vs $885), Core i7-3820 was $599 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 6.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 — making the Core i7-3820 the 101.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Xeon E5-1620
MSRP	$286-68%	$885
Performance per Dollar	20.2+206%	6.6
Release Date	2012	2012

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