Xeon E3-1220 and E3-1220V2: Impressive Performance and Value
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Socket 1155 Processors
- Xeon E3-1220
- Xeon E3-1220 V2
- Comparison with i5 Processors
- Specifications and Features
- Performance
- Cache Size
- Integrated Graphics
- TDP (Thermal Design Power)
- Manufacturing Process
- Memory Support
- Motherboard Compatibility
- Test Setup
- Performance Benchmarks
- Cinebench
- 3DMark
- Power Consumption
- Gaming Performance
- Value for Money
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
Welcome to our weekly Friday video! Today, we are going to discuss socket 1155 processors, specifically the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2. These processors are designed for workstations and servers but are compatible with most standard 1155 motherboards. In this article, we will compare these Xeon processors with the i5 series, explore their specifications and features, analyze their performance benchmarks, assess their gaming capabilities, discuss their value for money, and ultimately provide a conclusion on whether they are worth considering for your next build.
Socket 1155 Processors
Xeon E3-1220
The Xeon E3-1220 is a Sandy Bridge processor built on a 32-nanometer process. It features four cores running at 3.1 gigahertz and can reach higher clock speeds thanks to turbo boost technology. Unlike the i5 series, the Xeon E3-1220 does not have integrated HD Intel graphics, so a dedicated video card is required. It has 8 megabytes of level 3 cache and a thermal design power (TDP) of 80 watts.
Xeon E3-1220 V2
The Xeon E3-1220 V2 is from the Ivy Bridge generation and is built on a smaller 22-nanometer process. It consumes less power with a TDP of only 69 watts. Like the Xeon E3-1220, it features four cores running at 3.1 gigahertz, but its turbo boost is more aggressive, with clock speeds reaching up to 3.5 gigahertz. The Xeon E3-1220 V2 also supports faster 1600 megahertz DDR3 memory compared to the 1333 megahertz supported by the Xeon E3-1220.
Comparison with i5 Processors
When comparing the Xeon E3-1220 with the i5-2400 and the Xeon E3-1220 V2 with the i5-3450, there are small differences in performance. The Xeon processors are slightly faster due to their higher cache sizes and lack of integrated graphics. However, the i5 series offers the convenience of having integrated HD Intel graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated video card. It is worth considering these factors when deciding between the Xeon and i5 processors for your build.
Specifications and Features
Performance
Both the Xeon E3-1220 and the Xeon E3-1220 V2 offer excellent performance for their respective generations. Their four cores and turbo boost technology ensure smooth multitasking and handling of demanding workloads. The Xeon processors have a higher instructions per clock (IPC) compared to older socket 775 processors, making them a viable option for modern applications and software.
Cache Size
The Xeon processors have an advantage in terms of cache size. With 8 megabytes of level 3 cache, they outperform the i5 series, which only has 6 megabytes of cache. The larger cache size allows for faster data retrieval and improved overall performance.
Integrated Graphics
One key difference between the Xeon processors and the i5 series is the absence of integrated HD Intel graphics in the Xeon CPUs. This means that a dedicated video card is necessary for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. However, this trade-off results in lower thermal design power and potentially better overall performance.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
The thermal design power of a CPU determines how much power it will Consume and how much heat it will generate. The Xeon E3-1220 has a TDP of 80 watts, while the Xeon E3-1220 V2 has a TDP of only 69 watts. This lower power consumption not only translates to lower energy bills but also contributes to a cooler and quieter system.
Manufacturing Process
The Xeon E3-1220 is built on a 32-nanometer manufacturing process, while the Xeon E3-1220 V2 utilizes a more advanced 22-nanometer process. The smaller manufacturing process of the Xeon E3-1220 V2 results in increased efficiency and lower power consumption.
Memory Support
The Xeon E3-1220 supports DDR3 1333 megahertz memory, while the Xeon E3-1220 V2 supports the faster 1600 megahertz DDR3 memory. Choosing the appropriate memory speed will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Motherboard Compatibility
One of the advantages of the Xeon processors is their compatibility with standard 1155 motherboards. Unlike socket 775, there is no need to modify the socket or the processors, and no microcode injection is required. This makes upgrading to the Xeon processors a hassle-free process.
Test Setup
Before we dive into the performance benchmarks, let's take a look at the test setup used for this evaluation. We used a micro ATX motherboard from Asus with three PCI Express slots, a PCI slot, USB 3.0 support, and support for up to 16 gigabytes of RAM. The system was equipped with the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors, 16 gigabytes of Corsair DDR3 memory, an Intel stock cooler with a copper core, a 600-watt power supply, and a Radeon RX 570 graphics card. The system also featured two SSDs for the operating system and Game storage.
Performance Benchmarks
To assess the performance of the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors, we ran several benchmark tests. These tests included Cinebench, which measures CPU performance, and 3DMark, which evaluates gaming performance. We also monitored power consumption during these tests to analyze the efficiency of the Xeon processors.
Cinebench
In Cinebench, the Xeon processors showcased significant improvements compared to socket 775 processors. The Xeon E3-1220 V2 exhibited slightly better performance than the Xeon E3-1220, thanks to its higher turbo boost and IPC. However, it's worth noting that both Xeon processors fell slightly behind the i7-870, which features Hyper-threading for enhanced multi-threaded performance.
3DMark
In 3DMark, we observed mixed results. While the Xeon processors performed admirably, the graphic-intensive benchmark, Cloud Gate, showcased the superior performance of the Radeon RX 570 graphics card. However, the Xeon processors still demonstrated the benefits of their higher IPC and turbo boost capabilities, outperforming socket 775 processors.
Power Consumption
One significant advantage of the Xeon processors is their lower power consumption. During the tests, the Xeon E3-1220 consumed 114 watts under load, while the Xeon E3-1220 V2 consumed a mere 73 watts. In comparison, the socket 775 system consumed a whopping 178 watts. This substantial difference in power consumption highlights the efficiency of the Xeon processors and their improved performance per watt.
Gaming Performance
While the Xeon processors excel in CPU-intensive tasks, their gaming performance is also noteworthy. With their respectable clock speeds and turbo boost technology, the Xeon processors can handle modern games at 1080p resolution. However, graphics performance heavily relies on the accompanying video card. In this case, the Radeon RX 570 demonstrated its capabilities, allowing the Xeon processors to showcase improved gaming performance compared to lower-end processors.
Value for Money
Considering the impressive performance, specifications, and efficiency of the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2, they offer excellent value for money. With prices ranging between $40 and $50, these Xeon processors provide a cost-effective alternative to the i5 series. They perform exceptionally well in both multi-threaded and single-threaded applications and support the latest CPU instructions. Additionally, finding compatible motherboards and affordable DDR3 memory is a straightforward task.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors for socket 1155 offer compelling features, performance, and value for money. Their higher IPC, cache sizes, and turbo boost capabilities, coupled with their compatibility with standard 1155 motherboards, make them a viable choice for workstations and servers. Whether you opt for the Sandy Bridge-based Xeon E3-1220 or the Ivy Bridge-based Xeon E3-1220 V2, you can expect notable performance improvements over older socket 775 processors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors be used for gaming?
Yes, both the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors can handle modern gaming at 1080p resolution. However, their gaming performance heavily relies on the accompanying video card, so choosing a capable graphics card is crucial for optimal gaming experience.
Q: Are the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors compatible with standard 1155 motherboards?
Yes, the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors are compatible with most standard 1155 motherboards. Unlike socket 775, no modifications to the socket or processors are necessary, making the upgrade process hassle-free.
Q: How do the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors compare to the i5 series?
The Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors offer slightly better performance than the i5 series due to their larger cache sizes and higher IPC. However, the i5 series has the advantage of integrated HD Intel graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated video card.
Q: What is the power consumption of the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors?
The Xeon E3-1220 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 80 watts, while the Xeon E3-1220 V2 has a TDP of only 69 watts. This lower power consumption not only translates to lower energy bills but also contributes to a cooler and quieter system.
Q: Are the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors still worth considering for a modern build?
Yes, the Xeon E3-1220 and Xeon E3-1220 V2 processors are still viable options for modern builds. Their impressive specifications, performance, and efficiency make them suitable for various applications and software. Additionally, their value for money and compatibility with standard 1155 motherboards make them attractive choices for budget-conscious users.
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