Core i7-4790S vs Xeon E3-1286L v3

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 i7-4790S vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 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 i7-4790S vs Xeon E3-1286L v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4790S

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $312 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1286L v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,929 vs 6,973).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790S better than Xeon E3-1286L v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1286L v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4790S 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 i7-4790S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.5% 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 i7-4790S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790S is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $312 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-4790S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i7-4790S vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4790S

The Core i7-4790S 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 3.2 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,973 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

The Xeon E3-1286L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,929 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4790S and Xeon E3-1286L v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4790S versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286L v3 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4790S is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-4790S scores 6,973 against the Xeon E3-1286L v3's 6,929 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4790S. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790S vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286L v3.

Feature	Core i7-4790S	Xeon E3-1286L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	6,973	6,929