Core i7-3770 vs Xeon E3-1240 v2

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 i7-3770 vs Xeon E3-1240 v2 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 i7-3770 vs Xeon E3-1240 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3770

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.8 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1240 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,385 vs 6,419).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770 better than Xeon E3-1240 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3770 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1240 v2 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3770 comes in 17.6% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1240 v2 is also 17.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 21.8 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-3770 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3770 vs Xeon E3-1240 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3770

The Core i7-3770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,419 points. Launch price was $294.

Xeon E3-1240 v2

The Xeon E3-1240 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,385 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770 and Xeon E3-1240 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 v2 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3770 scores 6,419 against the Xeon E3-1240 v2's 6,385 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3770. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Xeon E3-1240 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,419	6,385

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Xeon E3-1240 v2
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770 was priced at $294, while the Xeon E3-1240 v2 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($294 vs $250), Xeon E3-1240 v2 was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1240 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1240 v2 the 15.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Xeon E3-1240 v2
MSRP	$294	$250-15%
Performance per Dollar	21.8	25.5+17%
Release Date	2012	2012

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