Core i7-3770S vs Xeon E3-1230 v2
Core i7-3770S
Xeon E3-1230 v2
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3770S is positioned at rank 691 and the Xeon E3-1230 v2 is on rank 500, so the Xeon E3-1230 v2 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3770S
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1230 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3770S and Xeon E3-1230 v2
Core i7-3770S
The Core i7-3770S 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.
Xeon E3-1230 v2
The Xeon E3-1230 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,191 points. Launch price was $360.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3770S and Xeon E3-1230 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3770S scores 6,173 against the Xeon E3-1230 v2's 6,191 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v2. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 694 vs 821, a 16.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v2 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,303 vs 3,223 (33.3% advantage for the Xeon E3-1230 v2). L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230 v2.
| Feature | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (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 | 6,173 | 6,191 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 4,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 694 | 821+18% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,303 | 3,223+40% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z77,H77,B75,Z68,P67,H67 (Core i7-3770S) and C216,C206,C204,C202 (Xeon E3-1230 v2).
| Feature | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1230 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget, Xeon E3-1230 v2 targets Server.
| Feature | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Budget | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3770S launched at $250 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1230 v2 debuted at $215. At current prices ($250 vs $268), the Core i7-3770S is $18 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 23.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1230 v2 — making the Core i7-3770S the 6.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3770S | Xeon E3-1230 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $215-14% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250-7% | $268 |
| Performance per Dollar | 24.7+7% | 23.1 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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