Core i7-4960HQ vs Xeon E3-1240 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 i7-4960HQ vs Xeon E3-1240 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 i7-4960HQ vs Xeon E3-1240 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 i7-4960HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 47W instead of 69W, a 22W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1240 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,370 vs 6,385).

Xeon E3-1240 v2

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i7-4960HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌46.8% higher power demand at 69W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1240 v2 better than Core i7-4960HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1240 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4960HQ 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 E3-1240 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 E3-1240 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1240 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1240 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-4960HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4960HQ vs Xeon E3-1240 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4960HQ

The Core i7-4960HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $657.

Xeon E3-1240 v2

The Xeon E3-1240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 69 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,385 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4960HQ and Xeon E3-1240 v2 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4960HQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E3-1240 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4960HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1240 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4960HQ scores 6,370 against the Xeon E3-1240 v2's 6,385 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1240 v2. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4960HQ	Xeon E3-1240 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.4 GHz+31%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,370	6,385

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4960HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1240 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.