Xeon E3-1220L v3
Intel
PassMark
1,407
MSRP
$193
AVG Price
$30
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 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4096 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,407 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1220L v3
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E3-1220L v3 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Fortnite
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Roblox
Rust
Stardew Valley
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E3-1220L v3 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1220L v3 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.5 GHz from a base frequency of 1.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 4096 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., 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 1,407, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 1.5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Haswell-WS (2013−2014) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4096 kB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 160 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,400 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 5 GT/s |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,407 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E3-1220L v3 fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1150 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3, DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C222,C224,C226 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-P — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-P |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E3-1220L v3 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 13 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 13 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $193), the Xeon E3-1220L v3 delivers 47 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2841 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E3-1220L v3 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $193 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $30 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $800 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2841 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2015-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| 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
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $800 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Haswell-WS (2013−2014) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2841 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 160 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4096 kB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 1.5 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 1.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,400 million |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 13 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3, DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E3-1220L v3
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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