Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon E5640

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.

Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon E5640 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.

Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon E5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1220 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 69W instead of 80W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,680 vs 4,755).

Xeon E5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌15.9% higher power demand at 80W vs 69W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5640 better than Xeon E3-1220 v2?

Yes. Xeon E5640 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.9% 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, Xeon E5640 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.9% 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 E5640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E5640 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5640 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon E5640 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5640

The Xeon E5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 4,755 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1220 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1220 v2 scores 4,680 against the Xeon E5640's 4,755 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon E5640.

Feature	Xeon E3-1220 v2	Xeon E5640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	—
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	4,680	4,755+2%