Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1225 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 i7-4700MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1225 v3, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1225 v3 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Xeon E3-1225 v3

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅Costs $159 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 70.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.8 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700MQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,324 vs 5,349).
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700MQ better than Xeon E3-1225 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.5% 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 i7-4700MQ 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?

Core i7-4700MQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1225 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4700MQ comes in 71.0% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1225 v3 is also 70.2% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-4700MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4700MQ

The Core i7-4700MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,349 points. Launch price was $288.

Xeon E3-1225 v3

The Xeon E3-1225 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $384.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4700MQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4700MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700MQ scores 5,349 against the Xeon E3-1225 v3's 5,324 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-4700MQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ vs 8192 kB (total) on the Xeon E3-1225 v3.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1225 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,349	5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	2,000
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,108
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,324

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1225 v3
Socket	PGA946	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4700MQ) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1225 v3). The Xeon E3-1225 v3 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P4600), while the Core i7-4700MQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1225 v3 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1225 v3 rivals Core i5-4570.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1225 v3
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics P4600
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700MQ was priced at $383, while the Xeon E3-1225 v3 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($383 vs $224), Xeon E3-1225 v3 was $159 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700MQ delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1225 v3 the 52% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1225 v3
MSRP	$383	$224-42%
Performance per Dollar	14.0	23.8+70%
Release Date	2013	2013

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