AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I vs Intel Xeon D-1587 Comparison

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I wins every single head-to-head test against the Intel Xeon D-1587, despite having half the cores and threads. The Intel part’s only statistical advantage is its higher launch MSRP, which is not a performance metric. Across all six Cinebench tests, the AMD part leads by margins ranging from 1.6% to 1.8%, a consistent but narrow victory that underscores the efficiency of its newer architecture.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I secures a clean sweep, winning all six head-to-head comparisons. The most significant margin is in the Cinebench R15 single-core test, where AMD scores 167 against Intel’s 164, a 1.8% advantage. The R20 single-core test shows a similar gap: AMD’s 698 beats Intel’s 686 by 1.7%. Multi-core results are nearly as tight, with AMD leading by 1.7% in R15 (1187 vs 1167) and by 1.6% in both R20 (4946 vs 4865) and R23 (11777 vs 11585). The R23 single-core test rounds out the sweep with AMD ahead by 1.6% (1662 vs 1635).

These margins are small in absolute terms, but they are consistent across every workload. The Intel Xeon D-1587’s 16 cores and 32 threads cannot overcome the clock-speed and architectural advantages of the 8-core, 16-thread AMD chip. The AMD part’s boost clock of 3.80 GHz, compared to Intel’s 2.30 GHz, appears to be the decisive factor in single-threaded scenarios, while the Zen 3+ architecture compensates for the core-count deficit in multi-threaded tests.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this picture. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I posts an average score of 3406, edging out the Intel Xeon D-1587’s 3350. Both processors sit at the 54th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they are statistically equivalent in overall standing despite the AMD part’s head-to-head sweep. The Intel Xeon D-1587’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-7800X, scores 3333, a 0.5% delta, while AMD’s closest competitor, the Intel Xeon E-2236, scores 3410, a -0.1% delta. These rival data points show that both chips are firmly mid-pack performers.

The Verdict

The data dictates a clear verdict: the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I is the superior processor in every measured benchmark. It wins all six Cinebench tests, posts a higher average benchmark score, and does so while consuming only 15 W TDP compared to Intel’s 65 W. For any workload that relies on single-threaded performance, the AMD part’s 3.80 GHz boost clock gives it an edge that Intel cannot counter. For multi-threaded tasks, the AMD chip’s 16 threads are enough to match or exceed Intel’s 32 threads, proof of the efficiency of the Zen 3+ architecture.

The Intel Xeon D-1587 is not without merit. Its 16 cores and 32 threads make it a viable option for massively parallel workloads, and its 1.5 MB per-core L3 cache (totaling 24 MB) provides ample on-die storage. However, the benchmark results show no scenario where Intel wins. The AMD part’s 16 MB shared L3 cache, combined with DDR5 memory support and PCIe Gen 4, makes it the more modern and capable platform overall.

Buyers should choose the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I if they prioritize performance-per-watt, single-threaded speed, or a compact desktop footprint. The Intel Xeon D-1587 might appeal to those needing a specific socket (Intel BGA 1667) or legacy DDR3 support, but the data shows no performance reason to prefer it. With both parts at the 54th percentile, the AMD chip’s consistent wins make it the default recommendation.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmarks?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests against the Intel Xeon D-1587, with margins between 1.6% and 1.8%.

Q: What is the largest performance difference between the two?

A: The largest gap is 1.8%, seen in the Cinebench R15 single-core test, where AMD scores 167 versus Intel’s 164.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I has an average score of 3406, while the Intel Xeon D-1587 averages 3350. AMD leads by 56 points.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon D-1587 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I support ECC memory.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I has a 15 W TDP, while the Intel Xeon D-1587 has a 65 W TDP.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I boosts to 3.80 GHz, compared to the Intel Xeon D-1587’s 2.30 GHz.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The Intel Xeon D-1587 offers 16 cores and 32 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I halves that to 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 1700 MHz for Intel and 1900 MHz for AMD; boost clocks are 2.30 GHz and 3.80 GHz respectively. The Intel part draws 65 W TDP, while AMD draws only 15 W.

Cache configurations diverge significantly. Intel provides 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 1.5 MB L3 per core. AMD also has 64 KB L1 per core but doubles L2 to 512 KB per core, and uses a 16 MB shared L3 pool. Memory support differs by generation: Intel supports DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, while AMD supports DDR5 with a specified bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. PCIe lanes and generation also differ: Intel offers Gen 3 with 24 lanes, AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes.

The sockets are incompatible: Intel uses BGA 1667, AMD uses Socket FP7. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of 1549, while the AMD part has no listed launch MSRP. The Intel Xeon D-1587 was released on 2016-02-23, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I launched on 2022-09-26. Both parts are currently active in production and have locked multipliers.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these chips is generational. Intel’s Xeon D-1587 uses the Broadwell architecture on a 14 nm process, fabricated by Intel itself. The die contains 3,200 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. AMD’s Ryzen Embedded V3C18I uses Zen 3+ (Rembrandt) on a 6 nm process from TSMC; transistor count and die size are not listed in the data.

The core design philosophies differ. Intel’s Broadwell is a server-oriented design with per-core L3 cache, while AMD’s Zen 3+ uses a shared 16 MB L3 pool, which can be more efficient for certain workloads. AMD’s process node advantage (6 nm vs 14 nm) contributes to its significantly lower TDP of 15 W versus Intel’s 65 W, despite the higher boost clock.

Memory architecture also reflects the generational divide. Intel supports DDR3 and DDR4, while AMD supports only DDR5, which provides a higher memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The PCIe interface differs as well: Intel uses Gen 3 with 24 lanes, AMD uses the newer Gen 4 with 20 lanes, offering double the per-lane bandwidth. Both support ECC memory, but neither includes integrated graphics. The Intel part is classified as a server/workstation chip, while AMD’s is classified as a desktop part, despite its embedded positioning.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I wins everywhere the benchmark data applies. It leads in every single-core test, which translates to faster response times in lightly-threaded applications like web browsing, office productivity, and legacy software that cannot use many cores. Its multi-core wins, despite fewer threads, suggest it handles modern multi-threaded workloads—video encoding, 3D rendering, or compilation—just as well as the Intel part while drawing less power.

The Intel Xeon D-1587’s theoretical advantage lies in its 32 threads, which could benefit workloads that scale perfectly with core count. However, the data shows no such benefit in Cinebench, as AMD’s 16 threads match or exceed Intel’s 32 in every test. The Intel part’s support for DDR3 memory gives it a legacy compatibility edge for older systems, and its 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes might be preferable for boards requiring more lanes, though AMD’s Gen 4 lanes offer higher bandwidth per lane.

For power-constrained or thermally-limited environments, the AMD part is the clear winner: 15 W TDP versus 65 W means less heat and lower cooling requirements. For a server room with unlimited power, the Intel part still loses on performance. The only scenario where Intel wins is if a system specifically requires the BGA 1667 socket or DDR3 memory support, as the AMD chip cannot be used in those configurations. Otherwise, the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I is the superior choice across all benchmarked metrics.