Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1290

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 i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1290 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 i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1290: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E3-1290 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E3-1290.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,403 vs 5,429).
❌Launch MSRP is still $278 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1290 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1290

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770T.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 better than Core i7-3770T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1290 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3770T 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 E3-1290 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 E3-1290 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1290 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $278 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3770T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (19.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i7-3770T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3770T vs Xeon E3-1290 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

Xeon E3-1290

The Xeon E3-1290 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,429 points. Launch price was $885.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770T and Xeon E3-1290 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3770T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770T scores 5,403 against the Xeon E3-1290's 5,429 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1290. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290.

Feature	Core i7-3770T	Xeon E3-1290
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4 GHz+8%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,403	5,429
Geekbench 6 Single	850	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,859	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-3770T	Xeon E3-1290
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
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: Yes (Core i7-3770T) / not specified (Xeon E3-1290). The Core i7-3770T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1290 requires a dedicated GPU.