Core i5-4670 vs Xeon E3-1226 v3

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.

Core i5-4670 vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-4670 vs Xeon E3-1226 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-4670

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1226 v3 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Xeon E3-1226 v3.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,491 vs 5,529).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $213 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1226 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1226 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4670 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4670.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1226 v3 better than Core i5-4670?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1226 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4670 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1226 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E3-1226 v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1226 v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. Core i5-4670 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E3-1226 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4670 vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-4670

The Core i5-4670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,491 points. Launch price was $360.

Xeon E3-1226 v3

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,529 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4670 and Xeon E3-1226 v3 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670 versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1226 v3 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-4670 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670 scores 5,491 against the Xeon E3-1226 v3's 5,529 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E3-1226 v3. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1226 v3.

Feature	Core i5-4670	Xeon E3-1226 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+3%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+3%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,491	5,529
Geekbench 6 Single	1,169	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,279	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-4670	Xeon E3-1226 v3
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4670) / not specified (Xeon E3-1226 v3). The Core i5-4670 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670 targets Mid-Range Desktop.