Core i7-4700HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3

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 i7-4700HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 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 i7-4700HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4700HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon E3-1226 v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,529 vs 5,579).
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700HQ better than Xeon E3-1226 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1226 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4700HQ 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 i7-4700HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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 i7-4700HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4700HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4700HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1226 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4700HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4700HQ

The Core i7-4700HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,579 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1226 v3

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,529 points. Launch price was $213.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4700HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1226 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700HQ versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1226 v3 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1226 v3 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4700HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700HQ scores 5,579 against the Xeon E3-1226 v3's 5,529 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-4700HQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4700HQ	Xeon E3-1226 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.7 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.3 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,579	5,529

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.