Core i7-4770K vs Xeon W3690

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 i7-4770K vs Xeon W3690 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 i7-4770K vs Xeon W3690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4770K

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $244 less on MSRP ($339 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 70.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.1 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 130W, a 46W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,141 vs 7,191).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon W3690

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 21.1 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
❌54.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 84W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770K better than Xeon W3690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4770K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W3690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-4770K is the better buy right now. Core i7-4770K comes in $244 cheaper on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W3690 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 70.8% better value on MSRP (21.1 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-4770K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4770K vs Xeon W3690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4770K

The Core i7-4770K 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 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: 7,141 points. Launch price was $399.

Xeon W3690

The Xeon W3690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,191 points. Launch price was $450.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4770K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W3690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W3690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770K versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon W3690 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i7-4770K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W3690 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770K scores 7,141 against the Xeon W3690's 7,191 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon W3690. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770K vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3690.

Feature	Core i7-4770K	Xeon W3690
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+1%	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,141	7,191

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4770K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4770K	Xeon W3690
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4770K was priced at $339, while the Xeon W3690 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($339 vs $583), Core i7-4770K was $244 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4770K delivers 21.1 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W3690 — making the Core i7-4770K the 52.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4770K	Xeon W3690
MSRP	$339-42%	$583
Performance per Dollar	21.1+72%	12.3
Release Date	2013	2011

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