Xeon E3-1220L v2
CPU·Budget

Xeon E3-1220L v2

Intel

PassMark

2,397

2015-01-01
17 Watt
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)

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.

Overview

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 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): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,397 points. Launch price was $800.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1220L v2 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra57 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra29 FPS
Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high59 FPS
ultra53 FPS
1440p
low55 FPS
medium50 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra42 FPS
4k
low43 FPS
medium38 FPS
high34 FPS
ultra32 FPS
Delta Force

Delta Force

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Dota 2

Dota 2

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Elden Ring

Elden Ring

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Fortnite

Fortnite

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra57 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high56 FPS
ultra38 FPS
Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra53 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high58 FPS
ultra41 FPS
4k
low51 FPS
medium42 FPS
high33 FPS
ultra29 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium54 FPS
high41 FPS
ultra32 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1220L v2 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,397, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationXeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designIvy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,397
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationXeon E3-1220L v2
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationXeon E3-1220L v2
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload17 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2430 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon E3-1220L v2
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$800
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2430
Release DateLaunch date2015-01-01
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Typeserver
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$800
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date2015-01-01
Architecture CodenameIvy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position2430

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores2
Threads4
L1 Cache64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache8 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.3 GHz
Process Technology22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)17 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

5 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth25.6 GB/s
ECC Memory Support+
Max Memory Capacity32.23 GB

Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1220L v2

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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