Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E3-1290 v2
Core i7-4790T
Xeon E3-1290 v2
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-4790T is positioned at rank 776 and the Xeon E3-1290 v2 is on rank 453, so the Xeon E3-1290 v2 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4790T
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1290 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4790T | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($102) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4790T | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($102) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-4790T and Xeon E3-1290 v2
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.
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 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4790T launched at $303 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 debuted at $885. At current prices ($102 vs $125), the Core i7-4790T is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790T delivers 62.0 pts/$ vs 50.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Core i7-4790T the 19.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4790T | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $303-66% | $885 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $102-18% | $125 |
| Performance per Dollar | 62.0+22% | 50.8 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-4790T and Xeon E3-1290 v2
