Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E5-4617

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 E5-4617 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 E5-4617: 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

✅Better for gaming: +20.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4617, which brings 6 cores / 6 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.9 vs 70.0 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $90 MSRP).

Xeon E5-4617

2012

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 6 threads.
✅Costs $213 less on MSRP ($90 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
✅Delivers 235.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 70.0 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($90 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,298 vs 6,325).
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790T better than Xeon E5-4617?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4617 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, Core i7-4790T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.8% 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 i7-4790T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790T is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-4617 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4790T comes in 236.7% more expensive on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $90 MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-4617 is also 235.2% better value on MSRP (70.0 vs 20.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4790T vs Xeon E5-4617 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 E5-4617

The Xeon E5-4617 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,298 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4790T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-4617 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon E5-4617 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4790T versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E5-4617 — a 13.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-4790T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-4617 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790T scores 6,325 against the Xeon E5-4617's 6,298 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4790T. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790T vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4617.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E5-4617
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+15%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.9 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	6,325	6,298

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4617 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E5-4617
Socket	LGA1150	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790T was priced at $303, while the Xeon E5-4617 came in at $90. On launch pricing ($303 vs $90), Xeon E5-4617 was $213 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790T delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 70.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4617 — making the Xeon E5-4617 the 108.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4790T	Xeon E5-4617
MSRP	$303	$90-70%
Performance per Dollar	20.9	70.0+235%
Release Date	2014	2012

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