Core i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E3-1276 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 i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E3-1276 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 i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E3-1276 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 i7-7820EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E3-1276 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,470 vs 7,543).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.8 vs 35.4 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1276 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $165 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 79.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.4 vs 19.8 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1276 v3 better than Core i7-7820EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1276 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7820EQ 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 E3-1276 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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 E3-1276 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon E3-1276 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1276 v3 comes in $165 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 79.2% better value on MSRP (35.4 vs 19.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7820EQ 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 i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E3-1276 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7820EQ

The Core i7-7820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,470 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E3-1276 v3

The Xeon E3-1276 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 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): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,543 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7820EQ and Xeon E3-1276 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-7820EQ versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1276 v3 — a 25.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1276 v3. The Core i7-7820EQ is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-7820EQ scores 7,470 against the Xeon E3-1276 v3's 7,543 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E3-1276 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-7820EQ vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1276 v3.

Feature	Core i7-7820EQ	Xeon E3-1276 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	4 GHz+29%
Base Clock	—	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	7,470	7,543

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820EQ was priced at $378, while the Xeon E3-1276 v3 came in at $213. On launch pricing ($378 vs $213), Xeon E3-1276 v3 was $165 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820EQ delivers 19.8 pts/$ vs 35.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1276 v3 — making the Xeon E3-1276 v3 the 56.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7820EQ	Xeon E3-1276 v3
MSRP	$378	$213-44%
Performance per Dollar	19.8	35.4+79%
Release Date	2017	2014

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