Core i7-7700HQ vs Xeon E3-1286L v3

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 i7-7700HQ vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 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 i7-7700HQ vs Xeon E3-1286L v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-7700HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon E3-1286L v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,880 vs 6,929).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1286L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-7700HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1286L v3 better than Core i7-7700HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1286L v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7700HQ 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 E3-1286L v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 E3-1286L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1286L v3 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E3-1286L v3 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-7700HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7700HQ vs Xeon E3-1286L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7700HQ

The Core i7-7700HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,880 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1286L v3

The Xeon E3-1286L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,929 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7700HQ and Xeon E3-1286L v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-7700HQ versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1286L v3 — a 5.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1286L v3 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-7700HQ is built on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-7700HQ scores 6,880 against the Xeon E3-1286L v3's 6,929 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E3-1286L v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700HQ vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1286L v3.

Feature	Core i7-7700HQ	Xeon E3-1286L v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	—
PassMark	6,880	6,929

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7700HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1286L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-7700HQ	Xeon E3-1286L v3
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7700HQ) / not specified (Xeon E3-1286L v3). The Core i7-7700HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E3-1286L v3 requires a dedicated GPU.