Core i7-4770S vs Xeon E3-1275 v2

Intel

Core i7-4770S

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1275 v2

4 Cores8 Thrd77 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-4770S vs Xeon E3-1275 v2 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i7-4770S vs Xeon E3-1275 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 i7-4770S vs Xeon E3-1275 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 i7-4770S

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $121 less on MSRP ($305 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Delivers 41.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($305 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1275 v2, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 20 PCIe lanes.
  • No integrated graphics, while Xeon E3-1275 v2 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Xeon E3-1275 v2.

Xeon E3-1275 v2

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 20 PCIe lanes vs 0.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics P4000, while Core i7-4770S needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i7-4770S.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,644 vs 6,749).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $305 MSRP).
  • 18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770S better than Xeon E3-1275 v2?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1275 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4770S 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 i7-4770S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.8% 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 i7-4770S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4770S is the better buy right now. Core i7-4770S comes in $121 cheaper on MSRP at $305 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 41.9% better value on MSRP (22.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4770S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4770S vs Xeon E3-1275 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4770S

The Core i7-4770S 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 3.1 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,749 points. Launch price was $329.

Intel

Xeon E3-1275 v2

The Xeon E3-1275 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,644 points. Launch price was $808.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4770S and Xeon E3-1275 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770S versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-4770S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770S scores 6,749 against the Xeon E3-1275 v2's 6,644 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i7-4770S. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4770S vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1275 v2.

FeatureCore i7-4770SXeon E3-1275 v2
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
3.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.5 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
6,749+2%
6,644
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi
4,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4770S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4770SXeon E3-1275 v2
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32.77 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4770S) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1275 v2). The Xeon E3-1275 v2 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4000), while the Core i7-4770S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275 v2 targets Server/Workstation.

FeatureCore i7-4770SXeon E3-1275 v2
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics P4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server/Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4770S was priced at $305, while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 came in at $426. On launch pricing ($305 vs $426), Core i7-4770S was $121 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4770S delivers 22.1 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1275 v2 — making the Core i7-4770S the 34.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4770SXeon E3-1275 v2
MSRP
$305-28%
$426
Performance per Dollar
22.1+42%
15.6
Release Date
2013
2012

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