Let’s add the Intel Xeon E3-1225v2 to the comparison:
Intel Xeon E3-1225v2 Specifications
- Released: Q2 2012
- Cores/Threads: 4 cores / 4 threads
- Base Clock: 3.2 GHz
- Max Turbo Clock: 3.6 GHz
- L3 Cache: 8 MB
- TDP: 77W
- Architecture: Ivy Bridge (22nm)
- Socket: LGA1155
- Target Use: Entry-level server/workstation
Comparing All Four Processors
Single-Core Performance:
- Intel Core i7-4790K is the leader in single-core performance due to its 4.0 GHz base clock and 4.4 GHz turbo, making it ideal for tasks requiring high clock speeds (e.g., gaming, consumer desktops).
- The Xeon E5-1620v2 and Xeon E3-1225v2 are similar in single-core performance but still lower than the i7-4790K.
- Xeon D-1520 has the lowest clock speeds (2.2 GHz base), making it the slowest in single-threaded tasks.
Multi-Core Performance:
- The Core i7-4790K and Xeon E5-1620v2 both have 4 cores and 8 threads, so they offer better multi-threaded performance than the Xeon E3-1225v2, which lacks Hyper-Threading (4 cores, 4 threads).
- Xeon D-1520 also has 4 cores and 8 threads, but due to lower clock speeds, it trails the i7-4790K and Xeon E5-1620v2 in multi-threaded performance.
Power Efficiency:
- Xeon D-1520 is the most power-efficient (45W), making it ideal for servers where energy savings are critical.
- The Xeon E3-1225v2 (77W) and i7-4790K (88W) fall in the mid-range.
- Xeon E5-1620v2 has the highest TDP (130W), which could lead to higher power costs over time.
Specific Use Case Recommendations:
- Consumer Desktop and Gaming: Intel Core i7-4790K. Its high clock speeds make it ideal for single-threaded tasks and gaming.
- General-Purpose Server/Workstation (Moderate Power Efficiency): Intel Xeon E5-1620v2 is the best choice for older workstation/server setups that benefit from Hyper-Threading and stable performance under load.
- Entry-Level Server: Intel Xeon E3-1225v2 is a decent choice for an entry-level server or workstation where Hyper-Threading isn’t crucial and moderate power consumption is desirable.
- Power-Efficient Server Applications: Intel Xeon D-1520 is best suited for lightweight, low-power applications like network services, lightweight virtualization, and NAS, where power efficiency is essential.
Overall Recommendation
- For gaming or high-performance desktop use: Intel Core i7-4790K.
- For traditional workstation/server with light to moderate power efficiency requirements: Intel Xeon E5-1620v2.
- For entry-level server/workstation: Intel Xeon E3-1225v2 (good balance of performance and power efficiency).
- For energy-efficient, always-on server (e.g., NAS, lightweight services): Intel Xeon D-1520.