Core i7-4770R vs Xeon E3-1280 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 i7-4770R vs Xeon E3-1280 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 i7-4770R vs Xeon E3-1280 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 i7-4770R

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 47W instead of 69W, a 22W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 5200, while Xeon E3-1280 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,561 vs 6,619).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($360 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1280 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $45 less on MSRP ($315 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.0 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌46.8% higher power demand at 69W vs 47W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4770R can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1280 v2 better than Core i7-4770R?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1280 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4770R 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 E3-1280 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% 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, Xeon E3-1280 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1280 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1280 v2 comes in $45 cheaper on MSRP at $315 MSRP versus $360 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 15.3% better value on MSRP (21.0 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4770R 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 i7-4770R vs Xeon E3-1280 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4770R

The Core i7-4770R 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,561 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E3-1280 v2

The Xeon E3-1280 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,619 points. Launch price was $645.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4770R and Xeon E3-1280 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770R versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1280 v2 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1280 v2 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4770R uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770R scores 6,561 against the Xeon E3-1280 v2's 6,619 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E3-1280 v2. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770R vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1280 v2.

Feature	Core i7-4770R	Xeon E3-1280 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,561	6,619
Geekbench 6 Single	1,163	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,204	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4770R uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4770R	Xeon E3-1280 v2
Socket	BGA1364	LGA1155
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: Yes (Core i7-4770R) / not specified (Xeon E3-1280 v2). The Core i7-4770R includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200), while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-4770R	Xeon E3-1280 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Iris Pro Graphics 5200	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4770R was priced at $360, while the Xeon E3-1280 v2 came in at $315. On launch pricing ($360 vs $315), Xeon E3-1280 v2 was $45 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4770R delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 21.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1280 v2 — making the Xeon E3-1280 v2 the 14.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4770R	Xeon E3-1280 v2
MSRP	$360	$315-13%
Performance per Dollar	18.2	21.0+15%
Release Date	2013	2012

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