Core i7-4710HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3

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 i7-4710HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 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 i7-4710HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4710HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1226 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E3-1226 v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4710HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,529 vs 5,549).
❌78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4710HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4710HQ better than Xeon E3-1226 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1226 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4710HQ 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 i7-4710HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.8% 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 i7-4710HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4710HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4710HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-4710HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4710HQ vs Xeon E3-1226 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4710HQ

The Core i7-4710HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,549 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1226 v3

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-WS (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,529 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4710HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1226 v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710HQ versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1226 v3 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1226 v3 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4710HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4710HQ scores 5,549 against the Xeon E3-1226 v3's 5,529 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4710HQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4710HQ	Xeon E3-1226 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,549	5,529

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4710HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4710HQ	Xeon E3-1226 v3
Socket	BGA1364	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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 i7-4710HQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1226 v3). The Core i7-4710HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4710HQ targets Mobile.