Core i7-3770S vs Xeon E5-2440

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 E5-2440 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 E5-2440: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $478 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $728 MSRP).
✅Delivers 195.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $728 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2440, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5-2440

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,091 vs 6,173).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($728 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770S better than Xeon E5-2440?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2440 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, Core i7-3770S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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, Core i7-3770S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3770S is the better buy right now. Core i7-3770S comes in $478 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $728 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 195.1% better value on MSRP (24.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2440 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-3770S vs Xeon E5-2440 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 E5-2440

The Xeon E5-2440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,091 points. Launch price was $295.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3770S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2440 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2440 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S versus 2.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-2440 — a 29.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-3770S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2440 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770S scores 6,173 against the Xeon E5-2440's 6,091 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-3770S. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2440.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Xeon E5-2440
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+34%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	15360 kB (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-EN (2012)
PassMark	6,173+1%	6,091
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	694	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,303	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2440 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Xeon E5-2440
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3770S) / not specified (Xeon E5-2440). The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5-2440 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Xeon E5-2440
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770S was priced at $250, while the Xeon E5-2440 came in at $728. On launch pricing ($250 vs $728), Core i7-3770S was $478 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2440 — making the Core i7-3770S the 98.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Xeon E5-2440
MSRP	$250-66%	$728
Performance per Dollar	24.7+194%	8.4
Release Date	2012	2012

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