Opteron 6220 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2

AMD

Opteron 6220

8 Cores8 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1220 v2

4 Cores4 Thrd69 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Opteron 6220 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2 Performance Spectrum

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.

Opteron 6220 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.

Opteron 6220 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.

Opteron 6220

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +18.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $523 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 66.7% higher power demand at 115W vs 69W.

Xeon E3-1220 v2

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 69W instead of 115W, a 46W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron 6220 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,680 vs 4,753).

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6220 better than Xeon E3-1220 v2?
Yes. Opteron 6220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Opteron 6220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.8% 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, Opteron 6220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron 6220 is the better buy right now. Opteron 6220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $523 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1220 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Opteron 6220 vs Xeon E3-1220 v2 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Opteron 6220

The Opteron 6220 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,753 points. Launch price was $523.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Opteron 6220 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Opteron 6220 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Opteron 6220 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Opteron 6220 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Opteron 6220 uses the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Opteron 6220 scores 4,753 against the Xeon E3-1220 v2's 4,680 — a 1.5% lead for the Opteron 6220. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureOpteron 6220Xeon E3-1220 v2
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+3%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.1 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB (per module)+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Interlagos (2011−2012)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
4,753+2%
4,680
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Memory & Platform

The Opteron 6220 uses the G34 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureOpteron 6220Xeon E3-1220 v2
Socket
G34
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%