Core i7-4770 vs Xeon E3-1231 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 i7-4770 vs Xeon E3-1231 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 i7-4770 vs Xeon E3-1231 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 i7-4770

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $303 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1231 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1231 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 80W instead of 84W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,031 vs 7,055).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770 better than Xeon E3-1231 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1231 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4770 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 i7-4770 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i7-4770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4770 is the better buy right now. Core i7-4770 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $303 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1231 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4770 vs Xeon E3-1231 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4770

The Core i7-4770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,055 points. Launch price was $500.

Xeon E3-1231 v3

The Xeon E3-1231 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,031 points. Launch price was $240.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4770 and Xeon E3-1231 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1231 v3 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4770 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1231 v3 uses Haswell-WS (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770 scores 7,055 against the Xeon E3-1231 v3's 7,031 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4770. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4770 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1231 v3.

Feature	Core i7-4770	Xeon E3-1231 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell-WS (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,055	7,031