Core i7-3770 vs Xeon W3670

Intel

Core i7-3770

4 Cores8 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
VS
Intel

Xeon W3670

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2010

Core i7-3770 vs Xeon W3670 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 W3670 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 W3670: 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 (6,419 vs 6,424).
    • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
    • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3670, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
    • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.8 vs 25.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

    Xeon W3670

    2010

    Why buy it

    • βœ…+0.1% higher PassMark.
    • βœ…+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
    • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
    • βœ…Costs $44 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
    • βœ…Delivers 17.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.7 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

    Trade-offs

    • ❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon W3670 better than Core i7-3770?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3670 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 W3670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon W3670 is the better buy right now. Xeon W3670 comes in $44 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3770 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 17.7% better value on MSRP (25.7 vs 21.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit 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 a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i7-3770 vs Xeon W3670 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 (2012βˆ’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 W3670

    The Xeon W3670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010βˆ’2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,424 points. Launch price was $295.

    ⚑

    Processing Power

    The Core i7-3770 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W3670 offers 6 cores / 12 threads β€” the Xeon W3670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W3670 β€” a 12% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-3770 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W3670 uses Gulftown (2010βˆ’2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770 scores 6,419 against the Xeon W3670's 6,424 β€” a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W3670. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3770 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3670.

    FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon W3670
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 8
    6 / 12+50%
    Boost Clock
    3.9 GHz+13%
    3.46 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.4 GHz+6%
    3.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)
    12 MB (total)+50%
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    22 nm-31%
    32 nm
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013)
    Gulftown (2010βˆ’2011)
    PassMark
    6,419
    6,424
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i7-3770 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon W3670
    Socket
    LGA1155
    LGA1366
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    πŸ’°

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i7-3770 was priced at $294, while the Xeon W3670 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($294 vs $250), Xeon W3670 was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 25.7 pts/$ for the Xeon W3670 β€” making the Xeon W3670 the 16.3% better value option.

    FeatureCore i7-3770Xeon W3670
    MSRP
    $294
    $250-15%
    Performance per Dollar
    21.8
    25.7+18%
    Release Date
    2012
    2010

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.