Core i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E3-1230

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 i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E3-1230 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 i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E3-1230: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4702MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 37W instead of 80W, a 43W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1230 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $383 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1230

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4702MQ across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,144 vs 5,187).
❌116.2% higher power demand at 80W vs 37W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4702MQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4702MQ better than Xeon E3-1230?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4702MQ 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 i7-4702MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4702MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4702MQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-4702MQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $383 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4702MQ 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 i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E3-1230 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4702MQ

The Core i7-4702MQ 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,187 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1230

The Xeon E3-1230 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 5,144 points. Launch price was $428.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4702MQ and Xeon E3-1230 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4702MQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1230 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4702MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1230 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4702MQ scores 5,187 against the Xeon E3-1230's 5,144 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4702MQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1230
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.2 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,187	5,144
Geekbench 6 Single	965	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,180	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4702MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1230 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1230
Socket	PGA946	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4702MQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1230). The Core i7-4702MQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1230 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4702MQ targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-4702MQ rivals Ryzen 7 3750H.