Core i7-3770K vs Xeon E5-1620 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 i7-3770K vs Xeon E5-1620 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 i7-3770K vs Xeon E5-1620 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 i7-3770K

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 77W instead of 130W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,495 vs 6,523).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 22.2 PassMark/$ ($332 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Xeon E5-1620 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $38 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.2 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌68.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 77W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1620 v2 better than Core i7-3770K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1620 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-1620 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E5-1620 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1620 v2 comes in $38 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $332 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 13.4% better value on MSRP (22.2 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-1620 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012), 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB), and 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 i7-3770K vs Xeon E5-1620 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3770K

The Core i7-3770K 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,495 points. Launch price was $294.

Xeon E5-1620 v2

The Xeon E5-1620 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,523 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770K and Xeon E5-1620 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770K versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1620 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-3770K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-1620 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770K scores 6,495 against the Xeon E5-1620 v2's 6,523 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5-1620 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3770K vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1620 v2.

Feature	Core i7-3770K	Xeon E5-1620 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	10 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark	6,495	6,523

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1620 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3770K	Xeon E5-1620 v2
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770K was priced at $332, while the Xeon E5-1620 v2 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($332 vs $294), Xeon E5-1620 v2 was $38 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770K delivers 19.6 pts/$ vs 22.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1620 v2 — making the Xeon E5-1620 v2 the 12.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770K	Xeon E5-1620 v2
MSRP	$332	$294-11%
Performance per Dollar	19.6	22.2+13%
Release Date	2012	2013

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