Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 Vs Core I5 3470: Which One Is The Best Budget Cpu For Gaming?

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 and Core i5 3470 are two popular processors that offer excellent performance for budget-conscious builders. Both processors are based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture and feature four cores and eight threads. However, there are some key differences between the two processors that may make one a better choice for your specific needs.

In terms of raw performance, the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a slight edge over the Core i5 3470. The Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a base clock speed of 3.3GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.8GHz, while the Core i5 3470 has a base clock speed of 3.2GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.6GHz. This difference in clock speeds gives the Xeon E3-1230 V2 a slight advantage in single-threaded workloads. However, the Core i5 3470 has a larger L3 cache (8MB vs. 6MB), which can give it an advantage in multi-threaded workloads.

Features

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 and Core i5 3470 both support a wide range of features, including:

• Hyper-Threading: Both processors support Hyper-Threading, which allows each core to process two threads simultaneously. This can improve performance in multi-threaded workloads.
• Turbo Boost: Both processors support Turbo Boost, which allows the processor to automatically overclock itself when running single-threaded workloads. This can provide a significant performance boost in certain applications.
• Virtualization: Both processors support virtualization, which allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. This can be useful for testing software or running multiple applications that require different operating systems.

Power Consumption

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a slightly higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) than the Core i5 3470. The Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a TDP of 85W, while the Core i5 3470 has a TDP of 77W. This means that the Xeon E3-1230 V2 will consume slightly more power than the Core i5 3470.

Price

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 and Core i5 3470 are both relatively affordable processors. The Xeon E3-1230 V2 typically sells for around $200, while the Core i5 3470 typically sells for around $150. This makes both processors excellent options for budget-conscious builders.

Which Processor is Right for You?

The Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 and Core i5 3470 are both excellent processors that offer great performance for budget-conscious builders. The Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a slight edge in single-threaded performance, while the Core i5 3470 has a larger L3 cache and a lower TDP. Ultimately, the best processor for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are looking for a processor that offers similar performance to the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 and Core i5 3470, but at a lower price, you may want to consider the following alternatives:

• Intel Core i3-3220: The Core i3-3220 is a dual-core processor with four threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.3GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.8GHz. The Core i3-3220 typically sells for around $100.
• AMD FX-6300: The FX-6300 is a six-core processor with six threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.5GHz and a turbo boost speed of 4.1GHz. The FX-6300 typically sells for around $120.

Beyond the Basics: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Processor

Whether you choose the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2, Core i5 3470, or another processor, there are a few things you can do to unlock its full potential:

• Overclocking: Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of your processor. This can improve performance, but it can also void your warranty and shorten the lifespan of your processor. If you are not comfortable overclocking your processor, you can use a software utility to do it for you.
• Cooling: Keeping your processor cool is essential for maintaining its performance. If your processor gets too hot, it will throttle its performance to protect itself from damage. Make sure you have a good CPU cooler installed to keep your processor cool.
• Memory: The amount of memory you have installed can also affect your processor’s performance. If you are running out of memory, your processor will have to use virtual memory, which is much slower than physical memory. Make sure you have enough memory installed to meet the needs of your applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which processor is better for gaming, the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 or the Core i5 3470?

A: Both processors are capable of handling most games at high settings. However, the Xeon E3-1230 V2 has a slight edge in single-threaded performance, which can give it an advantage in some games.

Q: Which processor is better for video editing, the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 or the Core i5 3470?

A: The Xeon E3-1230 V2 is a better choice for video editing. It has a higher clock speed and a larger L3 cache, which can both improve performance in video editing applications.

Q: Which processor is better for multitasking, the Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 or the Core i5 3470?

A: The Core i5 3470 is a better choice for multitasking. It has a larger L3 cache, which can help improve performance in multi-threaded applications.