What To Know
- The presence of integrated graphics in the Core i7-4770 allows for basic graphics processing tasks and can be beneficial for users who do not require a dedicated graphics card.
- The Intel Core i7-4770 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 84 watts, while the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 has a TDP of 85 watts.
- Whether you choose the Intel Core i7-4770 or the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3, you can be confident that you are getting a high-performance processor that will meet the demands of most workstation tasks.
When it comes to choosing the right processor for your workstation, two formidable contenders emerge: the Intel Core i7-4770 and the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3. Both processors offer exceptional performance, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Intel Core i7-4770 and the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3, empowering you to make an informed decision for your specific workload requirements.
Core Architecture and Clock Speeds
The Intel Core i7-4770 is based on the Haswell microarchitecture, while the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 is built upon the Ivy Bridge-E architecture. The Core i7-4770 features four cores and eight threads, with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a turbo boost speed of up to 3.9 GHz. In contrast, the Xeon E3-1246v3 boasts four cores and eight threads, with a higher base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a turbo boost speed of up to 4.0 GHz.
Cache Memory
Cache memory plays a crucial role in processor performance, as it stores frequently accessed data for faster retrieval. The Core i7-4770 offers 8 MB of L3 cache, while the Xeon E3-1246v3 provides 10 MB of L3 cache. The larger L3 cache size of the Xeon E3-1246v3 can provide a performance advantage in applications that heavily rely on data caching.
Integrated Graphics
The Intel Core i7-4770 incorporates Intel HD Graphics 4600, while the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 does not have integrated graphics. The presence of integrated graphics in the Core i7-4770 allows for basic graphics processing tasks and can be beneficial for users who do not require a dedicated graphics card.
Instruction Set Extensions
Instruction set extensions enhance processor performance by adding new instructions that optimize specific tasks. The Core i7-4770 supports the AVX2 instruction set, which accelerates multimedia and scientific computations. The Xeon E3-1246v3 goes a step further by supporting the AVX2.1 instruction set, which provides additional performance gains in certain applications.
Overclocking Potential
Overclocking allows you to push your processor beyond its factory-set limits, potentially improving performance. The Core i7-4770 is known for its overclocking capabilities, and many users have achieved significant performance gains by overclocking it. However, the Xeon E3-1246v3 is not officially supported for overclocking by Intel, so overclocking it may void your warranty.
Power Consumption and Heat Output
The Intel Core i7-4770 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 84 watts, while the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 has a TDP of 85 watts. Both processors generate a similar amount of heat, so proper cooling is recommended for sustained high-load operations.
Pricing and Availability
The Intel Core i7-4770 was released in 2013 and is no longer available as a new product. However, it can be found in the used market for around $100-$150. The Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 was released in 2014 and is still available new for around $250-$300.
Which Processor is Right for You?
The choice between the Intel Core i7-4770 and the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you need a budget-friendly processor with good overclocking potential, the Core i7-4770 is a solid choice. However, if you require a more powerful processor with a larger cache, support for AVX2.1, and better overclocking stability, the Xeon E3-1246v3 is the better option.
Summary: Making the Optimal Choice
Whether you choose the Intel Core i7-4770 or the Intel Xeon E3-1246v3, you can be confident that you are getting a high-performance processor that will meet the demands of most workstation tasks. By carefully considering the key differences outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?
A: The Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 has a higher base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, compared to the Core i7-4770’s base clock speed of 3.4 GHz.
Q: Which processor supports the AVX2.1 instruction set?
A: The Intel Xeon E3-1246v3 supports the AVX2.1 instruction set, while the Core i7-4770 supports the AVX2 instruction set.
Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?
A: Both processors have similar power consumption and heat output, with TDPs of 84 watts and 85 watts, respectively.
