Intel Core i7-3740QM vs Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 Comparison

The Intel Core i7-3740QM and Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 are two very different processors from the same manufacturer, aimed at different market segments. The database records show that the i7-3740QM, a mobile part, outperforms the Xeon in every Cinebench test, while the Xeon counters with server-oriented features like ECC memory support and a larger L3 cache. This analysis walks through the recorded specifications, benchmark scores, and feature differences to clarify which processor suits which role.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-3740QM has 8 threads, while the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 has 4 threads. Both have 4 physical cores.

Q: Does the Xeon support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 supports ECC memory. The i7-3740QM does not support ECC.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The i7-3740QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a base clock of 3.30 GHz, higher than the i7-3740QM's 2.70 GHz. Both processors boost to 3.70 GHz.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-3740QM scores 4859, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 scores 4692, giving the i7 a 3.6% lead.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The i7-3740QM has a TDP of 45 W, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a TDP of 84 W.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 22 nm process node, use the same foundry, and share identical transistor counts (1,400 million) and die size (160 mm²). The L1 and L2 caches are also identical: 64 KB per core and 256 KB per core, respectively. The differences begin with the microarchitecture. The i7-3740QM uses Ivy Bridge, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses Haswell. This architectural split also affects the socket: the i7 uses Intel BGA 1224, a mobile socket, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1150, a desktop/server socket.

The core and thread counts differ. The i7 has 4 cores and 8 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading, while the Xeon has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no hyper-threading. The L3 cache is larger on the Xeon: 8 MB shared versus 6 MB shared on the i7. Memory support also diverges. The Xeon explicitly supports DDR3 memory and lists a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the i7's memory support is not specified in the database. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, a critical feature for server and workstation reliability, which the i7 lacks.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7 carries Intel HD 4000, while the Xeon has Intel HD P4600. The Xeon also includes PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), whereas the i7 has no PCIe information recorded. The market segments are distinct: the i7 is a mobile processor, while the Xeon is aimed at server and workstation use. The Xeon is marked as end-of-life, while the i7's production status is not listed. The release dates also differ: the i7 was released in September 2012, and the Xeon in May 2014. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $213, and its part number is SR1R0; the i7 has no recorded MSRP or part number.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the i7-3740QM wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with deltas ranging from 3.6% to 4.5%. In multi-core workloads, the i7's extra threads give it a consistent edge. In single-core tests, the i7 also leads, despite having a lower base clock, because both processors boost to the same 3.70 GHz. For anyone prioritizing raw performance in the tested Cinebench workloads, the i7-3740QM is the clear choice.

However, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is not without merit. It offers ECC memory support, a larger 8 MB L3 cache, and a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz. It also includes PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, which the i7 does not list. These features make the Xeon more suitable for server or workstation environments where data integrity and platform stability are paramount. The Xeon is also end-of-life, which may affect long-term availability. The i7, being a mobile part, is better suited for laptops or compact systems where the 45 W TDP is a significant advantage over the Xeon's 84 W TDP.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors, based on the database records:

• Threads: i7 has 8, Xeon has 4.
• Base clock: i7 is 2.70 GHz, Xeon is 3.30 GHz.
• TDP: i7 is 45 W, Xeon is 84 W.
• Socket: i7 uses Intel BGA 1224, Xeon uses Intel Socket 1150.
• Architecture: i7 is Ivy Bridge, Xeon is Haswell.
• Codename: i7 is Ivy Bridge, Xeon is Haswell-WS.
• Generation: i7 is Core i7 (Ivy Bridge), Xeon is Xeon E3 (Haswell-WS).
• L3 cache: i7 has 6 MB shared, Xeon has 8 MB shared.
• Memory support: Xeon lists DDR3, i7 has no entry.
• Memory bandwidth: Xeon lists 25.6 GB/s, i7 has no entry.
• ECC memory: Xeon supports it, i7 does not.
• PCIe: Xeon lists Gen 3, 16 lanes (CPU only), i7 has no entry.
• Integrated graphics: i7 has Intel HD 4000, Xeon has Intel HD P4600.
• Market segment: i7 is Mobile, Xeon is Server/Workstation.
• Production status: Xeon is end-of-life, i7 has no entry.
• Release date: i7 is 2012-09-02, Xeon is 2014-05-10.
• Launch MSRP: Xeon has $213, i7 has no entry.
• Part number: Xeon has SR1R0, i7 has no entry.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records six head-to-head Cinebench tests, and the i7-3740QM wins every one. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7 scores 489 against the Xeon's 472, a 3.6% advantage. In R15 single-core, the i7 scores 69 versus 66, a 4.5% lead. The R20 multi-core test shows the i7 at 2040 and the Xeon at 1970, again a 3.6% difference. R20 single-core has the i7 at 288 and the Xeon at 278, a 3.6% gap. R23 multi-core gives the i7 4859 and the Xeon 4692, a 3.6% margin. Finally, R23 single-core has the i7 at 686 and the Xeon at 662, also a 3.6% difference.

The pattern is consistent: the i7 leads by roughly 3.6% in most tests, with a slightly larger 4.5% margin in R15 single-core. The i7 also has Geekbench scores recorded (multi-core 1993, single-core 599), while the Xeon has no Geekbench entries, so no comparison is possible there. The average benchmark score for the i7 is 1378, and for the Xeon it is 1357, a difference of 21 points. Both processors sit at the 36th percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-3740QM wins every benchmark test in the head-to-head comparison. Its 8 threads give it a clear advantage in multi-threaded Cinebench workloads, and its single-core performance is also superior, likely due to the higher boost clock and architectural efficiency. The i7 also has a much lower TDP of 45 W, making it the better choice for power-constrained mobile systems. The i7's integrated graphics, Intel HD 4000, is present, though the Xeon's HD P4600 is not benchmarked here.

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 wins on platform features rather than raw performance. It supports ECC memory, which is essential for error-correcting workloads in servers and workstations. Its larger 8 MB L3 cache may benefit certain cache-sensitive applications, though the recorded benchmarks do not reflect that. The Xeon also has a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz, which could help in lightly threaded tasks that do not reach boost frequencies. The Xeon includes PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, providing direct connectivity for expansion cards, a feature the i7 does not list. The Xeon's memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s is explicitly recorded, while the i7 has no such figure. Finally, the Xeon has a launch MSRP of $213, which is a point of reference for its market positioning, though the i7 has no recorded MSRP.

In summary, the i7-3740QM is the performance leader in the tested Cinebench suite, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 offers server-grade features like ECC and a larger cache. The choice depends on whether raw benchmark scores or platform reliability features matter more for the intended use case.