Core i7-3770 vs Xeon E5-4610

Intel

Core i7-3770

4 Cores8 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4610

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-3770 vs Xeon E5-4610 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 E5-4610 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 E5-4610: 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

  • Costs $925 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $1,219 MSRP).
  • Delivers 312.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 5.3 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $1,219 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,419 vs 6,460).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4610, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5-4610

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • +87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.3 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($1,219 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4610 better than Core i7-3770?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4610 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-4610 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-4610 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-4610 comes in 314.6% more expensive on MSRP at $1,219 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-3770 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 312.0% better value on paper (21.8 vs 5.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon E5-4610 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 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 E5-4610 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon E5-4610

The Xeon E5-4610 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,460 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3770 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-4610 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-4610 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 versus 2.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-4610 — a 29.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-3770 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-4610 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770 scores 6,419 against the Xeon E5-4610's 6,460 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-4610. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3770 vs 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4610.

FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon E5-4610
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+34%
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+42%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
6,419
6,460
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4610 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon E5-4610
Socket
LGA1155
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770 was priced at $294, while the Xeon E5-4610 came in at $1219. On launch pricing ($294 vs $1219), Core i7-3770 was $925 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 5.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4610 — making the Core i7-3770 the 121.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon E5-4610
MSRP
$294-76%
$1219
Performance per Dollar
21.8+311%
5.3
Release Date
2012
2012

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