Core i7-940XM vs Xeon E3-1220L

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 i7-940XM vs Xeon E3-1220L 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 i7-940XM vs Xeon E3-1220L: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 12.0 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
❌175% higher power demand at 55W vs 20W.

Xeon E3-1220L

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $907 less on MSRP ($189 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Delivers 478.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.0 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Draws 20W instead of 55W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,263 vs 2,269).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Xeon E3-1220L?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% 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 i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-940XM is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1220L is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-940XM comes in 479.9% more expensive on MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus $189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1220L is also 478.4% better value on MSRP (12.0 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1220L makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-940XM vs Xeon E3-1220L Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Xeon E3-1220L

The Xeon E3-1220L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 20 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,263 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-940XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220L offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220L (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-940XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940XM scores 2,269 against the Xeon E3-1220L's 2,263 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-940XM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM vs 3 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Xeon E3-1220L
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz	3.4 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.2 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,269	2,263

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Xeon E3-1220L
Socket	PGA988	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-940XM) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220L). Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Xeon E3-1220L
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-940XM was priced at $1096, while the Xeon E3-1220L came in at $189. On launch pricing ($1096 vs $189), Xeon E3-1220L was $907 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-940XM delivers 2.1 pts/$ vs 12.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220L — making the Xeon E3-1220L the 141% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Xeon E3-1220L
MSRP	$1096	$189-83%
Performance per Dollar	2.1	12.0+471%
Release Date	2010	2011

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