Core i7-4800MQ vs Xeon E3-1220 v5

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 i7-4800MQ vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i7-4800MQ vs Xeon E3-1220 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 i7-4800MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 80W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.2 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($380 MSRP vs $203 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1220 v5

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $177 less on MSRP ($203 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).
✅Delivers 85.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($203 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4800MQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,713 vs 5,773).
❌70.2% higher power demand at 80W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4800MQ better than Xeon E3-1220 v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4800MQ 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 i7-4800MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.9% 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 i7-4800MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4800MQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E3-1220 v5 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4800MQ comes in 87.2% more expensive on MSRP at $380 MSRP versus $203 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E3-1220 v5 is also 85.2% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 15.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1220 v5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4800MQ vs Xeon E3-1220 v5 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4800MQ

The Core i7-4800MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 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 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,773 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1220 v5

The Xeon E3-1220 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,713 points. Launch price was $203.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4800MQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220 v5's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-4800MQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-4800MQ (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-4800MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4800MQ scores 5,773 against the Xeon E3-1220 v5's 5,713 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-4800MQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4800MQ	Xeon E3-1220 v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Skylake-DT (2015)
PassMark	5,773+1%	5,713

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4800MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4800MQ	Xeon E3-1220 v5
Socket	PGA946	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4800MQ was priced at $380, while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 came in at $203. On launch pricing ($380 vs $203), Xeon E3-1220 v5 was $177 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4800MQ delivers 15.2 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — making the Xeon E3-1220 v5 the 59.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4800MQ	Xeon E3-1220 v5
MSRP	$380	$203-47%
Performance per Dollar	15.2	28.1+85%
Release Date	2013	2015

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