Core i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E5-2643

Intel

Core i7-4702MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd37 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2643

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E5-2643 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 i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E5-2643 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 E5-2643: 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

  • Costs $1,169 less on MSRP ($383 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
  • Delivers 302.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.5 vs 3.4 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
  • Draws 37W instead of 130W, a 93W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E5-2643 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,187 vs 5,228).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).

Xeon E5-2643

2012

Why buy it

  • +25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.4 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($1,552 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
  • 251.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 37W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4702MQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2643 better than Core i7-4702MQ?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2643 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, Xeon E5-2643 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, Xeon E5-2643 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2643 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2643 comes in 305.2% more expensive on MSRP at $1,552 MSRP versus $383 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4702MQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 302.0% better value on paper (13.5 vs 3.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.
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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4702MQ vs Xeon E5-2643 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon E5-2643

The Xeon E5-2643 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,228 points. Launch price was $218.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4702MQ and Xeon E5-2643 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4702MQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2643 — a 9% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2643 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4702MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2643 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4702MQ scores 5,187 against the Xeon E5-2643's 5,228 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-2643. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4702MQ vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2643.

FeatureCore i7-4702MQXeon E5-2643
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.5 GHz+9%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.3 GHz+50%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
10240 kB (total)+25%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
5,187
5,228
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 E5-2643 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4702MQXeon E5-2643
Socket
PGA946
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
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 E5-2643). The Core i7-4702MQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E5-2643 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4702MQ targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-4702MQ rivals Ryzen 7 3750H.

FeatureCore i7-4702MQXeon E5-2643
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 E5-2643 came in at $1552. On launch pricing ($383 vs $1552), Core i7-4702MQ was $1169 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4702MQ delivers 13.5 pts/$ vs 3.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2643 — making the Core i7-4702MQ the 120.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4702MQXeon E5-2643
MSRP
$383-75%
$1552
Performance per Dollar
13.5+297%
3.4
Release Date
2013
2012

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