Xeon E3-1220 v5 vs Core i7-2700K
Xeon E3-1220 v5
Core i7-2700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon E3-1220 v5 is positioned at rank 513 and the Core i7-2700K is on rank 863, so the Xeon E3-1220 v5 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1220 v5
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake-DT (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+121%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E3-1220 v5 and Core i7-2700K
Xeon E3-1220 v5
The Xeon E3-1220 v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,713 points. Launch price was $203.
Core i7-2700K
The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1220 v5 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2700K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v5 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2700K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1220 v5 scores 5,713 against the Core i7-2700K's 5,689 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v5. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake-DT (2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,713 | 5,689 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 701 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2700K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E3-1220 v5) / VT-x (Core i7-2700K). The Core i7-2700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1220 v5 launched at $203 MSRP, while the Core i7-2700K debuted at $332. At current prices ($100 vs $45), the Core i7-2700K is $55 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1220 v5 delivers 57.1 pts/$ vs 126.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-2700K — making the Core i7-2700K the 75.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1220 v5 | Core i7-2700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $203-39% | $332 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $45-55% |
| Performance per Dollar | 57.1 | 126.4+121% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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