Core i7-3770S vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i7-3770S vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i7-3770S vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i7-3770S

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 69W, a 4W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E3-1230 v2 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Xeon E3-1230 v2.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (694 vs 821).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,303 vs 3,223).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.7 vs 28.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1230 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+18.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $35 less on MSRP ($215 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 16.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.8 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($215 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770S.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1230 v2 better than Core i7-3770S?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770S is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1230 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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, Xeon E3-1230 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 39.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1230 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1230 v2 comes in $35 cheaper on MSRP at $215 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 16.6% better value on MSRP (28.8 vs 24.7 PassMark/$), 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 E3-1230 v2 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 i7-3770S vs Xeon E3-1230 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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%

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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	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770S was priced at $250, while the Xeon E3-1230 v2 came in at $215. On launch pricing ($250 vs $215), Xeon E3-1230 v2 was $35 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 28.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1230 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1230 v2 the 15.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Xeon E3-1230 v2
MSRP	$250	$215-14%
Performance per Dollar	24.7	28.8+17%
Release Date	2012	2012

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