Review Processor Xeon E3 1225: A Powerful Alternative for Your Desktop

We don’t usually receive a workstation-class CPU, yet the Intel Xeon E3 1225 is here. According to Intel, the Xeon E3 series would be paired with a new chipset, the C-200, and is not compatible with Sandy Bridge motherboards despite having similar LGA 1155 packaging and the same, 32nm Sandy Bridge core as Intel’s most recent desktop CPU lineups. However, we were a bit curious about the compatibility issue and decided to plug this CPU onto a H67 motherboard. Guess what? It works!

At US$ 197, the Xeon E3 1225 is a relatively affordable workstation-class CPU. Although it’s originally meant for entry-level servers/ workstations, E3 1225’s compatibility with Sandy Bridge motherboards means that it could be used in desktop systems as well. Combine that with the interesting price point, and you might be looking at a possible alternative for your next processor. One question remains though: if it is indeed compatible with desktop motherboards, then how does the E 1225 stack up against the “real” desktop CPUs?

Before we get to the answer, let’s take a look at the sales package first.

The package box for this Xeon processor is slightly different compared to those used to desktop CPUs. It’s a bit larger in size, but what about the contents?

Well, the items inside are similar to what you can expect with regular Intel desktop CPU packages, consisting of a stock HSF and, of course, the Xeon E3 1225 processor itself.

A closer look reveals the processor’s code engraved on the surface of its heat spreader: “Q1HP”. That code stands for “Xeon E-1225”.

When compared side-by-side, the stock HSF found inside Xeon E3-1225’s package box looks identical with the one shipped with Core i7-2600K processors. Perhaps this is because both processor’s TDPs are rated at 95 watt. Some thermal paste comes pre-applied at the heatsink base.