Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1245

Intel

Core i7-4700MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1245

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1245 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 E3-1245 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 E3-1245: 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: +3.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 47W instead of 95W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $383 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1245 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1245

2011

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700MQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,346 vs 5,349).
  • 102.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700MQ better than Xeon E3-1245?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1245 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 3.8% 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 0.1% 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 the better buy right now. Core i7-4700MQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $383 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4700MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1245 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon E3-1245

The Xeon E3-1245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 5,346 points. Launch price was $350.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700MQ and Xeon E3-1245 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1245 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1245 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4700MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1245 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700MQ scores 5,349 against the Xeon E3-1245's 5,346 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4700MQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1245.

FeatureCore i7-4700MQXeon E3-1245
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.7 GHz+9%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.3 GHz+38%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
5,349
5,346
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4700MQXeon E3-1245
Socket
PGA946
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0