Xeon E5-1620 vs Core i7-3820
Xeon E5-1620
Core i7-3820
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 E5-1620 is positioned at rank 953 and the Core i7-3820 is on rank 791, so the Core i7-3820 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1620
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3820
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+131%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($70) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 E5-1620 and Core i7-3820
Xeon E5-1620
The Xeon E5-1620 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,848 points. Launch price was $313.
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon E5-1620 and Core i7-3820 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1620 scores 5,848 against the Core i7-3820's 5,787 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-1620. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 612 vs 624, a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-3820 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 10240 kB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 10240 kB (total) | 10240 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,848+1% | 5,787 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,469 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 612 | 624+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,250 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Xeon E5-1620 supports up to 375 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 141.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel C600,Intel X79 (Xeon E5-1620) and X79 (Core i7-3820).
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 375 GB+486% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Xeon E5-1620) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820). Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-1620 launched at $885 MSRP, while the Core i7-3820 debuted at $286. At current prices ($70 vs $30), the Core i7-3820 is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1620 delivers 83.5 pts/$ vs 192.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-3820 — making the Core i7-3820 the 79.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1620 | Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $885 | $286-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $70 | $30-57% |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.5 | 192.9+131% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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