
Xeon X3480 vs Core i3-4130

Xeon X3480

Core i3-4130
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 X3480 is positioned at rank 981 and the Core i3-4130 is on rank 615, so the Core i3-4130 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X3480
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4130
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($48) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($48) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
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 X3480 and Core i3-4130

Xeon X3480
The Xeon X3480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $612.

Core i3-4130
The Core i3-4130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,334 points. Launch price was $120.
Processing Power
The Xeon X3480 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-4130 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X3480 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X3480 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-4130 — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Xeon X3480 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Xeon X3480 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4130 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X3480 scores 3,327 against the Core i3-4130's 3,334 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4130. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X3480 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.73 GHz+10% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.06 GHz | 3.4 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,327 | 3,334 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,036 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,046 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X3480 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4130 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon X3480) / VT-x (Core i3-4130). The Core i3-4130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon X3480 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130 rivals FX-4130.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X3480 launched at $612 MSRP, while the Core i3-4130 debuted at $117. At current prices ($48 vs $55), the Xeon X3480 is $7 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X3480 delivers 69.3 pts/$ vs 60.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-4130 — making the Xeon X3480 the 13.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X3480 | Core i3-4130 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $612 | $117-81% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $48-13% | $55 |
| Performance per Dollar | 69.3+14% | 60.6 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2013 |
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