Core i7-4600U vs Xeon L3426

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 i7-4600U vs Xeon L3426 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 i7-4600U vs Xeon L3426: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4600U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3426 across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,720 vs 2,742).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3426, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Xeon L3426

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3426 better than Core i7-4600U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3426 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4600U 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 L3426 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.9% more average FPS across 38 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L3426 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon L3426 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L3426 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4600U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4600U vs Xeon L3426 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4600U

The Core i7-4600U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,720 points. Launch price was $398.

Xeon L3426

The Xeon L3426 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,742 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4600U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L3426 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L3426 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4600U versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon L3426 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-4600U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i7-4600U is built on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-4600U scores 2,720 against the Xeon L3426's 2,742 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon L3426. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4600U vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3426.

Feature	Core i7-4600U	Xeon L3426
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+13%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell-ULT (2013)	—
PassMark	2,720	2,742

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4600U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3426 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.