Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon X5667

Intel

Xeon E3-1220 v2

4 Cores4 Thrd69 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5667

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon X5667 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.

Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs Xeon X5667 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 X5667: 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 95W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5667 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,680 vs 4,697).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5667

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +12.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 37.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 69W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5667 better than Xeon E3-1220 v2?
Yes. Xeon X5667 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5667 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.2% 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 X5667 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon X5667 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5667 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.2% 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 X5667 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Intel

Xeon X5667

The Xeon X5667 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,697 points. Launch price was $80.

Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1220 v2 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5667's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon X5667 — a 1.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220 v2 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5667 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1220 v2 scores 4,680 against the Xeon X5667's 4,697 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X5667. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v2 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5667.

FeatureXeon E3-1220 v2Xeon X5667
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+1%
3.46 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+1%
3.06 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
4,680
4,697
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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1220 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5667 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureXeon E3-1220 v2Xeon X5667
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
RAM Channels
3
ECC Support
Yes
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v2) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5667). Primary use case: Xeon X5667 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5667 rivals Core i7-980X.

FeatureXeon E3-1220 v2Xeon X5667
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation