Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6
Also called intel xeon e3-1220 v6, xeon e3-1220 v6, e3-1220v6, xeon-e3-1220-v6
Intel Xeon E3 server processor on Kaby Lake (Server), with 4 cores and 4 threads and 8 MB L3 at 72 W TDP on a 14 nm process addressing up to 64 GB and no integrated graphics.
What you need to know
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 is a legacy server cpu.
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 launched in 2017., It has 4 cores and 4 threads on Kaby Lake (Server), dropping into the FCLGA1151 socket. Treat the spec table as the facts. Age alone does not tell you to throw it out.
- Still good?
- Only if the workload is light
- Product age
- 9 years old
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate
What this hardware means today
Age and usefulness are not the same number. This page keeps them separate.
- Performance today
- Average. Average for the class when RAM, storage, and the GPU keep up.
- Product age 9 years old
- Legacy. Launched 2017. Newer platforms exist. That does not make this chip unusable by itself.
- Support status
- Supported. Current Windows and current applications still run on this class of CPU. Platform BIOS support depends on the motherboard or laptop vendor.
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate. Upgrade pressure comes from platform features and specific CPU-bound work, not from the chip being unusable.
Where does it sit?
Kaby Lake (Server) sits on Intel's recent Core timeline. Later desktop branding moved toward Core Ultra.
Performance context
These are qualitative readings, not a fake 8.7 out of 10. Workload still wins.
Gaming: Poor fit
Not the job. Use a desktop or workstation part if games are the point.
Productivity: Average
4 cores cover office, browser, and compile work in this class.
Multithreaded workloads: Average
4 threads. Heavy encodes still scale further on higher-core parts.
General use: Good
Everyday Windows use is not where most people notice this SKU first.
Efficiency: Good
Rated 72 W base power. That is a platform number, not a promise about your cooler.
Should you upgrade?
Probably not based on CPU performance alone.
Upgrade makes more sense if
- Your workload is strongly CPU limited
- You need a newer platform for memory, I/O, or chipset features
- You need substantially more multicore performance
- You need newer connectivity that your current board cannot offer
Upgrade makes less sense if
- The GPU is the real bottleneck
- Current applications are already responsive
- The CPU rarely limits your workload
Specifications
Figures below follow the Feex Hardware Database record for this SKU. Fields without a recorded value are omitted.
Processor
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 is built on Kaby Lake (Server) using a 14 nm process.
| Manufacturer | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Xeon E3 |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (Server) |
| Codename | Kaby Lake |
| Generation | Intel Xeon Processor E3 v6 Family |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Transistors | 1,750 million |
| Die size | 126 mm² |
| Die count | 1 |
| Segment | Server |
Cores and threads
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 has 4 cores and 4 threads.
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Threads per core | 1 |
| Hybrid architecture | No |
Clock speeds
Base clock is 3.0 GHz. Boost reaches 3.5 GHz.
| Base frequency | 3.0 GHz |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 3.5 GHz |
Cache
Cache on this sheet is 8 MB L3.
| L3 cache | 8 MB |
|---|---|
| Total cache | 8 MB |
Memory
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 addresses 64 GB across 2 memory channels.
| Supported types | DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Max capacity | 64 GB |
| Channels | 2 |
| Max bandwidth | 37.5 GB/s |
| ECC support | Yes |
Package and power
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses the FCLGA1151 socket and a 72 W TDP.
| Socket | FCLGA1151 |
|---|---|
| TDP | 72 W |
| PCIe | Revision 3.0, 16 lanes |
Integrated graphics
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 does not include integrated graphics.
| Integrated graphics | None |
|---|
Market
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 launched 2017 at USD 193 (suggested price at launch).
| Launch date | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | USD 193 (suggested price at launch) |
| Model | E3-1220V6 |
Features
Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6 records 8 instruction sets on this sheet.
| Instruction sets | AES-NIAVX2AVX64-bit (x86-64)SSE4.1SSE4.2x86-64-v3x86-64-v2 |
|---|---|
| Security | AES-NIExecute Disable (NX)Boot GuardHardware RNGOS GuardOS Guard (SMAP)SGXTrusted Execution |
| Virtualization | Extended Page Tables (EPT)VT-d (DMA Remapping)VT-x (Hardware Virtualization)VT-x with EPT |
Independent scores
These are PassMark CPU figures. They are not Feex measurements.
| Single-core score | 1,928 |
|---|---|
| Multi-core score | 7,767 |
| Overall score | 3,870 |
| Productivity score | 7,748 |
| Creator score | 7,742 |
| Engineering score | 7,476 |
| Gaming score | 7,726 |
| Performance per watt | 107.9 |
Compatibility
| Socket | FCLGA1151 |
|---|---|
| Board | A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Check the motherboard CPU list and BIOS revision. |
| Memory | DDR4, up to 64 GB |
| Graphics | Requires a discrete GPU. This SKU has no iGPU. |
A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Boards often need a BIOS update before a newer chip in the same socket will post.
Cooler clearance, VRM quality, and power limits matter as much as the socket name.
Do not expect a display from the motherboard video ports. This SKU has no integrated graphics.
No display after install
This SKU has no integrated graphics. A machine with no discrete GPU will not show a picture. That is expected, not a dead CPU.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Partially Verified. How we research.
- Feex Hardware Database · Specification source used for this sheet. CC BY 4.0.
- PassMark Software · CPU benchmark page for Intel Xeon E3-1220 v6
Was this article useful?
A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.
Thanks. That helps us improve this page.