Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1268L v5

Intel

Core i7-4790T

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1268L v5

4 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2015

Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1268L v5 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 i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1268L 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 i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1268L 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 i7-4790T

2014

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $74 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 24.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $377 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (6,325 vs 6,334).
  • ❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Xeon E3-1268L v5

2015

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.1% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($377 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1268L v5 better than Core i7-4790T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1268L v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4790T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1268L v5 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1268L v5 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1268L v5 comes in 24.4% more expensive on MSRP at $377 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-4790T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 24.2% better value on paper (20.9 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon E3-1268L v5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) 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 i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1268L v5 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4790T

The Core i7-4790T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 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: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,325 points. Launch price was $303.

Intel

Xeon E3-1268L v5

The Xeon E3-1268L 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,334 points. Launch price was $377.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4790T and Xeon E3-1268L v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4790T versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1268L v5 β€” a 13.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-4790T uses the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790T scores 6,325 against the Xeon E3-1268L v5's 6,334 β€” a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1268L v5. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-4790TXeon E3-1268L v5
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+15%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+13%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark
6,325
6,334
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4790TXeon E3-1268L v5
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790T was priced at $303, while the Xeon E3-1268L v5 came in at $377. On launch pricing ($303 vs $377), Core i7-4790T was $74 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790T delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1268L v5 β€” making the Core i7-4790T the 21.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4790TXeon E3-1268L v5
MSRP
$303-20%
$377
Performance per Dollar
20.9+24%
16.8
Release Date
2014
2015

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