Core i7-4790 vs Xeon E7530

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 i7-4790 vs Xeon E7530 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 i7-4790 vs Xeon E7530: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4790

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,052 less on MSRP ($339 MSRP vs $1,391 MSRP).
✅Delivers 312.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.4 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $1,391 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 105W, a 21W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E7530, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E7530

2010

Why buy it

✅+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 i7-4790 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,231 vs 7,263).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 21.4 PassMark/$ ($1,391 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
❌25% higher power demand at 105W vs 84W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790 better than Xeon E7530?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7530 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4790 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 i7-4790 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.3% 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 i7-4790 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790 is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790 comes in $1,052 cheaper on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $1,391 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 312.1% better value on MSRP (21.4 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4790 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4790 vs Xeon E7530 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4790

The Core i7-4790 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,263 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon E7530

The Xeon E7530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.87 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,231 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4790 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E7530 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E7530 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4790 versus 2.13 GHz on the Xeon E7530 — a 61% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.87 GHz). The Core i7-4790 is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-4790 scores 7,263 against the Xeon E7530's 7,231 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4790. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790 vs 12 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7530.

Feature	Core i7-4790	Xeon E7530
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+88%	2.13 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+93%	1.87 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB L3 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	7,263	7,231

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7530 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4790	Xeon E7530
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790 was priced at $339, while the Xeon E7530 came in at $1391. On launch pricing ($339 vs $1391), Core i7-4790 was $1052 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790 delivers 21.4 pts/$ vs 5.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E7530 — making the Core i7-4790 the 121.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4790	Xeon E7530
MSRP	$339-76%	$1391
Performance per Dollar	21.4+312%	5.2
Release Date	2014	2010

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