Core i7-4790K vs Xeon E3-1230 V5

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 i7-4790K vs Xeon E3-1230 V5 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 i7-4790K vs Xeon E3-1230 V5: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4790K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E3-1230 V5 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1230 V5 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1230 V5

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 80W instead of 88W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,009 vs 8,063).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4790K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790K better than Xeon E3-1230 V5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1230 V5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4790K 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 i7-4790K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 19.5% 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 i7-4790K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790K is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $350 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1230 V5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4790K vs Xeon E3-1230 V5 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4790K

The Core i7-4790K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Devil's Canyon architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,063 points. Launch price was $339.

Xeon E3-1230 V5

The Xeon E3-1230 V5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 8,009 points. Launch price was $261.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4790K and Xeon E3-1230 V5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 V5 — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4790K uses the Devil's Canyon architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1230 V5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790K scores 8,063 against the Xeon E3-1230 V5's 8,009 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-4790K. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Xeon E3-1230 V5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+16%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+18%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Devil's Canyon	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	8,063	8,009

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1230 V5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.