Core i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E3-1235

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 E3-1235 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 E3-1235: 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: +4.1% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 37W instead of 95W, a 58W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1235 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 21.3 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $240 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1235

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $143 less on MSRP ($240 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 57.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.3 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($240 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4702MQ across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,112 vs 5,187).
❌156.8% higher power demand at 95W 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 E3-1235?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1235 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 4.1% 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 1.5% 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 still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1235 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4702MQ comes in 59.6% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $240 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1235 is also 57.3% better value on MSRP (21.3 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4702MQ 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 E3-1235 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 E3-1235

The Xeon E3-1235 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,112 points. Launch price was $287.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4702MQ and Xeon E3-1235 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 E3-1235 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1235 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4702MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1235 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4702MQ scores 5,187 against the Xeon E3-1235's 5,112 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-4702MQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1235
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+1%	5,112
Geekbench 6 Single	965	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,180	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4702MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1235 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1235
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	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4702MQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1235). The Core i7-4702MQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1235 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4702MQ targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-4702MQ rivals Ryzen 7 3750H.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1235
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4702MQ was priced at $383, while the Xeon E3-1235 came in at $240. On launch pricing ($383 vs $240), Xeon E3-1235 was $143 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4702MQ delivers 13.5 pts/$ vs 21.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1235 — making the Xeon E3-1235 the 44.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4702MQ	Xeon E3-1235
MSRP	$383	$240-37%
Performance per Dollar	13.5	21.3+58%
Release Date	2013	2011

Search Core i7-4702MQ on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1235 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.