N200 vs Xeon E3-1220 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.

N200 vs Xeon E3-1220 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.

N200 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

N200

2023

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 69W, a 63W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $193 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1220 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,680 vs 4,729).
❌1050% higher power demand at 69W vs 6W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while N200 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is N200 better than Xeon E3-1220 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while N200 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, N200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, N200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

N200 is the better buy right now. N200 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $193 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

N200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2012), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

N200 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2 Technical Specifications

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

N200

The N200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,729 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E3-1220 v2

The Xeon E3-1220 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 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): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,680 points. Launch price was $220.

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Processing Power

Both the N200 and Xeon E3-1220 v2 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the N200 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the N200. The Xeon E3-1220 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the N200 scores 4,729 against the Xeon E3-1220 v2's 4,680 — a 1% lead for the N200. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N200 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v2.

Feature	N200	Xeon E3-1220 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	—	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,729+1%	4,680

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Memory & Platform

The N200 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.