Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1290 v2

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 E3-1290 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 i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1290 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 i7-4790T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $582 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Delivers 190.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $885 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 87W, a 42W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,325 vs 6,354).

Xeon E3-1290 v2

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($885 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌93.3% higher power demand at 87W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1290 v2 better than Core i7-4790T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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, Xeon E3-1290 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1290 v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1290 v2 comes in 192.1% more expensive on MSRP at $885 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4790T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 190.7% better value on paper (20.9 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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?

Core i7-4790T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1290 v2 Technical Specifications

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

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 (2013−2015) 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.

Xeon E3-1290 v2

The Xeon E3-1290 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4790T and Xeon E3-1290 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4790T versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-4790T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790T scores 6,325 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.1 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.7 GHz+37%
L3 Cache	8 MB (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	6,325	6,354

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790T was priced at $303, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 came in at $885. On launch pricing ($303 vs $885), Core i7-4790T was $582 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790T delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Core i7-4790T the 97.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E3-1290 v2
MSRP	$303-66%	$885
Performance per Dollar	20.9+190%	7.2
Release Date	2014	2012

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