Xeon E3-1230 v2 vs Xeon X5670

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 E3-1230 v2 vs Xeon X5670 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 E3-1230 v2 vs Xeon X5670: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E3-1230 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 69W instead of 95W, a 26W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.8 vs 91.9 PassMark/$ ($215 MSRP vs $67 MSRP).

Xeon X5670

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $148 less on MSRP ($67 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).
✅Delivers 219.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.9 vs 28.8 PassMark/$ ($67 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,160 vs 6,191).
❌37.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 69W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230 v2 better than Xeon X5670?

Yes. Xeon E3-1230 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1230 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 E3-1230 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1230 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5670 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E3-1230 v2 comes in 220.9% more expensive on MSRP at $215 MSRP versus $67 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon X5670 is also 219.3% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 28.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1230 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E3-1230 v2 vs Xeon X5670 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E3-1230 v2

The Xeon E3-1230 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,191 points. Launch price was $360.

Xeon X5670

The Xeon X5670 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 6,160 points. Launch price was $67.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1230 v2 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5670 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon X5670 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1230 v2 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Xeon E3-1230 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5670 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1230 v2 scores 6,191 against the Xeon X5670's 6,160 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5670.

Feature	Xeon E3-1230 v2	Xeon X5670
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+11%	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+13%	2.93 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	6,191	6,160
Geekbench 6 Single	821	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,223	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1230 v2 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5670 — the Xeon E3-1230 v2 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E3-1230 v2) vs 3 (Xeon X5670). Chipset compatibility: C216,C206,C204,C202 (Xeon E3-1230 v2) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5670).

Feature	Xeon E3-1230 v2	Xeon X5670
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1230 v2) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5670). Primary use case: Xeon E3-1230 v2 targets Server, Xeon X5670 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5670 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Xeon E3-1230 v2	Xeon X5670
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Server	Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E3-1230 v2 was priced at $215, while the Xeon X5670 came in at $67. On launch pricing ($215 vs $67), Xeon X5670 was $148 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1230 v2 delivers 28.8 pts/$ vs 91.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X5670 — making the Xeon X5670 the 104.6% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E3-1230 v2	Xeon X5670
MSRP	$215	$67-69%
Performance per Dollar	28.8	91.9+219%
Release Date	2012	2010

Search Xeon E3-1230 v2 on Amazon

Search Xeon X5670 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.