Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1270

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 E3-1270 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 E3-1270: 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: +4.4% higher average FPS across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 80W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,349 vs 5,376).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $330 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1270

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $53 less on MSRP ($330 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 16.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.3 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($330 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700MQ across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌70.2% higher power demand at 80W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700MQ better than Xeon E3-1270?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1270 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1270 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-4700MQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1270 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4700MQ comes in 16.1% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $330 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1270 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. Xeon E3-1270 is also 16.6% better value on MSRP (16.3 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon E3-1270 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 E3-1270

The Xeon E3-1270 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $369.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700MQ and Xeon E3-1270 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1270 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1270 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4700MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1270 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700MQ scores 5,349 against the Xeon E3-1270's 5,376 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1270. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1270.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1270
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
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	5,376

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1270 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1270
Socket	PGA946	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700MQ was priced at $383, while the Xeon E3-1270 came in at $330. On launch pricing ($383 vs $330), Xeon E3-1270 was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700MQ delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1270 — making the Xeon E3-1270 the 15.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon E3-1270
MSRP	$383	$330-14%
Performance per Dollar	14.0	16.3+16%
Release Date	2013	2011

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