Core i7-4770HQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v2

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 i7-4770HQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 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 i7-4770HQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4770HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 77W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 5200, while Xeon E3-1225 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon E3-1225 v2

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,015 vs 6,028).
❌63.8% higher power demand at 77W vs 47W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4770HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770HQ better than Xeon E3-1225 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4770HQ 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 i7-4770HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.2% 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 i7-4770HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4770HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4770HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4770HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4770HQ vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4770HQ

The Core i7-4770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 6,028 points. Launch price was $434.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

The Xeon E3-1225 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 6,015 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4770HQ is built on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-4770HQ scores 6,028 against the Xeon E3-1225 v2's 6,015 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-4770HQ.

Feature	Core i7-4770HQ	Xeon E3-1225 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	—
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	—
PassMark	6,028	6,015
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,249	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4770HQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1225 v2). The Core i7-4770HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200), while the Xeon E3-1225 v2 requires a dedicated GPU.