Intel Core i3-9350K vs Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows a clean sweep in the benchmark suite, with the Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 winning all six head-to-head Cinebench tests. The Intel Core i3-9350K does not take a single win in any recorded workload. This is notable because the i3-9350K carries higher clock speeds on paper, yet the Xeon consistently edges it out.

The Xeon E3-1575M v5 wins in both single-threaded and multi-threaded Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests. Its advantage is narrow but consistent, ranging from 2.2% to 2.3% depending on the workload. The single-core wins are particularly interesting, as the i3-9350K boosts to 4.60 GHz while the Xeon tops out at 3.90 GHz. Despite that frequency gap, the Xeon's architecture and features deliver slightly better per-clock performance in these tests.

The i3-9350K's only potential advantage lies outside the recorded benchmarks. It has an unlocked multiplier, a desktop socket, and a lower launch MSRP. However, within the measured data, the Xeon is the clear winner in every category. Users prioritizing raw Cinebench throughput, whether rendering a single frame or a full multi-threaded workload, should favor the Xeon E3-1575M v5.

For workloads that rely on integrated graphics, the Xeon also holds a structural advantage. It ships with Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the i3-9350K uses UHD 630. The database does not include graphics benchmarks, but the integrated GPU tier difference is recorded. The Xeon's market segment is Server/Workstation, which aligns with sustained compute tasks. The i3-9350K targets Desktop use, where its unlocked multiplier appeals to enthusiasts, but the benchmark data does not reward that flexibility.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process and feature 4 physical cores. The fundamental split comes from their lineage. The i3-9350K uses Coffee Lake, specifically the Coffee Lake Refresh generation, while the Xeon E3-1575M v5 uses Skylake, designated as Skylake-H. Both are end-of-life products, but they target different physical platforms.

The i3-9350K runs on Intel Socket 1151 with a 91 W TDP. The Xeon E3-1575M v5 is a mobile-class part on Intel BGA 1440 with a 45 W TDP. This is a major architectural difference: the Xeon is soldered to the board, while the i3-9350K is a socketed desktop chip. The Xeon's lower TDP reflects its intended deployment in compact or workstation-class laptops, despite its Server/Workstation segment label.

Threading is another key split. The i3-9350K offers 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning no Hyper-Threading. The Xeon E3-1575M v5 offers 4 cores and 8 threads, doubling the thread count. This explains why the Xeon wins multi-threaded tests despite lower clocks. The Xeon also has a larger die at 171 mm² versus 126 mm² for the i3-9350K, and it contains 2,300 million transistors, a figure not recorded for the i3-9350K.

Cache configurations are identical in structure: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. The Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the i3-9350K supports DDR4 only. Memory bandwidth is slightly higher on the i3-9350K at 38.4 GB/s versus 34.1 GB/s for the Xeon. Both use dual-channel memory buses and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Both support ECC memory, which is unusual for a desktop Core i3 part.

The integrated graphics differ significantly. The i3-9350K uses UHD 630, a mainstream desktop GPU. The Xeon uses Iris Pro Graphics P580, a higher-tier professional integrated GPU. The Xeon's multiplier is locked, while the i3-9350K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Release dates also differ: the i3-9350K launched in April 2019, the Xeon in January 2016.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E3-1575M v5 wins every recorded Cinebench test by a narrow margin. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 665 against 650 for the i3-9350K, a 2.3% deficit for the i3. Single-core R15 shows 93 for the Xeon versus 91 for the i3, a 2.2% gap. These single-core results are striking because the i3-9350K boosts to 4.60 GHz while the Xeon boosts to 3.90 GHz. The Xeon's higher IPC, likely from its Skylake architecture and larger die, compensates for the frequency disadvantage.

In Cinebench R20, the pattern repeats. Multi-core scores are 2774 for the Xeon and 2711 for the i3-9350K, again a 2.3% gap. Single-core R20 shows 391 for the Xeon and 382 for the i3, also 2.3%. The consistency of the delta across R15 and R20 suggests a stable architectural advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk.

Cinebench R23, the most recent workload in the database, confirms the trend. Multi-core: 6607 for the Xeon, 6456 for the i3-9350K, a 2.3% gap. Single-core: 932 for the Xeon, 911 for the i3, a 2.3% gap. The Xeon's win margin is uniform at 2.3% for every multi-core test and 2.2% or 2.3% for single-core tests. This uniformity indicates that the Xeon's advantage is systematic, not dependent on thread scaling or memory bandwidth.

The average benchmark score in the database reflects this. The Xeon E3-1575M v5 averages 1910 points, while the i3-9350K averages 1867 points. The Xeon sits at the 43rd percentile of all CPUs, the i3-9350K at the 42nd. The Xeon's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE and Intel Xeon E-2314, both at a 0% delta. The i3-9350K's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 at 0.1% ahead and the Intel Core i5-1035G4 at 0.3% behind.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several recorded specifications. The i3-9350K has 4 threads, the Xeon has 8 threads. Base clocks are 4.00 GHz for the i3-9350K and 3.00 GHz for the Xeon. Boost clocks are 4.60 GHz and 3.90 GHz, respectively. TDP is 91 W for the i3-9350K and 45 W for the Xeon. The socket is Intel Socket 1151 for the i3-9350K and Intel BGA 1440 for the Xeon.

Architecture names differ: Coffee Lake for the i3-9350K, Skylake for the Xeon. The die size is 126 mm² for the i3-9350K and 171 mm² for the Xeon. Transistor count is only recorded for the Xeon at 2,300 million. Memory support is DDR4 for the i3-9350K and DDR3/DDR4 for the Xeon. Memory bandwidth is 38.4 GB/s for the i3-9350K and 34.1 GB/s for the Xeon.

Integrated graphics differ: UHD 630 for the i3-9350K, Iris Pro Graphics P580 for the Xeon. Market segments are Desktop for the i3-9350K and Server/Workstation for the Xeon. The multiplier is unlocked on the i3-9350K and locked on the Xeon. Release dates are April 2019 for the i3-9350K and January 2016 for the Xeon. Launch MSRP is $184 for the i3-9350K and $1207 for the Xeon. Part numbers are SRCZT for the i3-9350K and SR2QV for the Xeon.

The only identical specifications are cores (4), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), L3 cache (8 MB shared), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), memory bus (dual-channel), PCIe (Gen 3, 16 lanes), ECC support (true), and production status (end-of-life).

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins all head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 wins all six recorded Cinebench tests, including R15, R20, and R23 in both single-core and multi-core modes. The i3-9350K records zero wins.

Q: How large is the performance gap between the two processors?

A: The Xeon leads by 2.3% in all multi-core tests (R15, R20, R23) and by 2.2% or 2.3% in single-core tests. The average benchmark score is 1910 for the Xeon and 1867 for the i3-9350K.

Q: Does the i3-9350K's higher clock speed translate to better single-core performance?

A: No. The i3-9350K boosts to 4.60 GHz versus 3.90 GHz for the Xeon, yet the Xeon still wins every single-core test. The Xeon scores 93 in R15 single-core and 932 in R23 single-core, while the i3-9350K scores 91 and 911, respectively.

Q: Why does the Xeon win multi-threaded tests despite lower clocks?

A: The Xeon has 8 threads versus 4 threads on the i3-9350K. This doubling of thread count provides a structural advantage in multi-threaded workloads, offsetting the i3-9350K's higher base and boost clocks.

Q: What are the TDP and socket differences?

A: The i3-9350K has a 91 W TDP and uses Intel Socket 1151. The Xeon E3-1575M v5 has a 45 W TDP and uses Intel BGA 1440, indicating a soldered, mobile-class platform.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the i3-9350K and the Xeon E3-1575M v5 support ECC memory. The i3-9350K supports DDR4 only, while the Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4.