Xeon E3-1230 v2 vs Core i7-3770S
Xeon E3-1230 v2
Core i7-3770S
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon E3-1230 v2 is positioned at rank 500 and the Core i7-3770S is on rank 691, so the Xeon E3-1230 v2 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1230 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3770S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($268) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E3-1230 v2 and Core i7-3770S
Xeon E3-1230 v2
The Xeon E3-1230 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,191 points. Launch price was $360.
Core i7-3770S
The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon E3-1230 v2 and Core i7-3770S share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1230 v2 scores 6,191 against the Core i7-3770S's 6,173 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v2. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 821 vs 694, a 16.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1230 v2 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,223 vs 2,303 (33.3% advantage for the Xeon E3-1230 v2). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1230 v2 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+6% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8192 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 6,191 | 6,173 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 821+18% | 694 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,223+40% | 2,303 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C216,C206,C204,C202 (Xeon E3-1230 v2) and Z77,H77,B75,Z68,P67,H67 (Core i7-3770S).
| Feature | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E3-1230 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1230 v2 targets Server, Core i7-3770S targets Budget.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1230 v2 launched at $215 MSRP, while the Core i7-3770S debuted at $250. At current prices ($268 vs $250), the Core i7-3770S is $18 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1230 v2 delivers 23.1 pts/$ vs 24.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770S — making the Core i7-3770S the 6.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1230 v2 | Core i7-3770S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $215-14% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $268 | $250-7% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.1 | 24.7+7% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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