Pentium 4417U 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.

Pentium 4417U 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.

Pentium 4417U 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.

Pentium 4417U

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 20W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,263).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Xeon E3-1220L

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $189 MSRP, while Pentium 4417U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌33.3% higher power demand at 20W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220L better than Pentium 4417U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium 4417U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1220L is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Xeon E3-1220L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1220L is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1220L comes in at an unclear MSRP at $189 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium 4417U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium 4417U vs Xeon E3-1220L Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 4417U

The Pentium 4417U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB SmartCache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 points. Launch price was $69.

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

Both the Pentium 4417U and Xeon E3-1220L share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Pentium 4417U uses the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium 4417U scores 2,260 against the Xeon E3-1220L's 2,263 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L. L3 cache: 2 MB SmartCache on the Pentium 4417U vs 3 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L.

Feature	Pentium 4417U	Xeon E3-1220L
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+5%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB SmartCache	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	NetBurst (2000−2006)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,260	2,263

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 4417U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.