Intel Core i5-1155G7 vs Intel Xeon D-1540 Comparison

# Intel Core i5-1155G7 vs Intel Xeon D-1540

The Intel Core i5-1155G7 is a 4-core mobile processor built on Tiger Lake-U architecture, while the Intel Xeon D-1540 is an 8-core server/workstation chip based on Broadwell-DE. Despite the Xeon's older 14 nm process and lower boost clock, it wins every single benchmark in this comparison—but the story is more nuanced than raw scores suggest, as the two chips target completely different workloads and physical environments.

Where Each One Wins

The data is unambiguous: the Xeon D-1540 wins all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 859 versus the i5-1155G7's 822, a 4.3% advantage. That margin holds across every other test—Cinebench R20 multicore (3583 vs 3425, 4.4% ahead), R23 multicore (8531 vs 8155, 4.4% ahead), and the single-core tests show similar 4.4% to 5% gaps.

However, the i5-1155G7 wins in areas the benchmarks don't capture directly. It has integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 80EU, meaning the system doesn't require a discrete GPU for basic display output. The Xeon D-1540 has no integrated graphics at all. The i5 also supports PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes, while the Xeon is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 24 lanes—so the i5 offers newer interconnect technology for devices that can use it, even if the Xeon has more total lanes.

The Xeon D-1540 wins on ECC memory support (true), a critical feature for server reliability that the i5 lacks. It also doubles the core count (8 vs 4) and thread count (16 vs 8), which explains its sustained advantage in multi-threaded workloads despite lower clock speeds.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different eras and design philosophies. The i5-1155G7 uses Intel's Tiger Lake architecture on a 10 nm process with a die size of 144 mm². Its cores are based on Willow Cove-U, and it has a 2.50 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.50 GHz. The Xeon D-1540 uses the older Broadwell architecture on a 14 nm process, with a substantially larger die at 246 mm² and 3,200 million transistors. Its base clock is 2.00 GHz with a boost of 2.60 GHz.

Cache organization differs significantly. The i5 has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The Xeon has smaller per-core allocations: 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, and 1.5 MB L3 per core. This means the i5's shared L3 pool is larger (8 MB vs the Xeon's per-core arrangement across 8 cores), but the Xeon's total L3 across all cores would be higher given its core count.

Memory support also diverges. The i5 supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X in dual-channel configuration, while the Xeon supports DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel. The Xeon adds ECC memory capability, which is absent on the i5. The i5 uses socket Intel BGA 1449, while the Xeon uses BGA 1667—both are soldered, non-upgradeable platforms.

The process node gap (10 nm vs 14 nm) and the six-year release date gap (2021 vs 2015) explain much of the single-core performance difference. Despite the Xeon winning here, the i5's newer architecture allows it to stay competitive with half the cores and a much lower TDP of 28 watts versus the Xeon's 45 watts.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The Xeon D-1540 has 8 cores and 16 threads, exactly double the i5-1155G7's 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Only the Xeon D-1540 supports ECC memory. The i5-1155G7 does not.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The i5-1155G7 includes Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 80EU. The Xeon D-1540 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the performance gap in multi-core workloads?

A: The Xeon D-1540 leads by 4.3% to 4.4% across all Cinebench multicore tests (R15, R20, R23), with scores of 859, 3583, and 8531 versus the i5's 822, 3425, and 8155.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The i5-1155G7 boosts to 4.50 GHz, well above the Xeon D-1540's 2.60 GHz maximum.

Q: Are the benchmark results close enough that real-world differences would be negligible?

A: The largest gap is 5% in Cinebench R15 single-core, while most tests show a 4.4% difference. These are modest margins, so in many workloads the chips would feel similar despite their architectural differences.

Specification Differences

• Cores: 4 (i5-1155G7) vs 8 (Xeon D-1540)
• Threads: 8 vs 16
• Base Clock: 2.50 GHz vs 2.00 GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.50 GHz vs 2.60 GHz
• TDP: 28 W vs 45 W
• Socket: Intel BGA 1449 vs Intel BGA 1667
• Architecture: Tiger Lake vs Broadwell
• Process Node: 10 nm vs 14 nm
• Die Size: 144 mm² vs 246 mm²
• Transistors: Not specified vs 3,200 million
• L1 Cache: 80 KB per core vs 64 KB per core
• L2 Cache: 1.25 MB per core vs 256 KB per core
• L3 Cache: 8 MB shared vs 1.5 MB per core
• Memory Support: DDR4, LPDDR4X vs DDR3, DDR4
• ECC Memory: No vs Yes
• PCIe: Gen 4, 16 lanes vs Gen 3, 24 lanes
• Integrated Graphics: Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 80EU vs None
• Market Segment: Mobile vs Server/Workstation
• Release Date: 2021-05-30 vs 2015-03-08
• Launch MSRP: $309 vs $581

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon D-1540 sweep is consistent but narrow. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it posts 859 against the i5's 822, a 4.3% edge. Single-core R15 shows a 5% gap (121 vs 115). These single-core results are notable because the i5 has a much higher boost clock (4.50 GHz vs 2.60 GHz) and newer architecture—yet the Xeon still wins, likely due to the i5's thermal constraints in a mobile form factor or benchmark variance.

Cinebench R20 repeats the pattern: multicore 3583 vs 3425 (4.4%), single-core 505 vs 483 (4.4%). The R23 results mirror this exactly—multicore 8531 vs 8155 (4.4%), single-core 1204 vs 1151 (4.4%). The uniformity of the 4.4% delta across multiple rendering workloads suggests a consistent performance ceiling rather than workload-specific behavior.

Geekbench results are only available for the i5-1155G7 (multicore 4246, single-core 1574), so no direct comparison is possible there. However, the i5's average benchmark score of 2496 places it in the 49th percentile of all CPUs, while the Xeon's average of 2467 puts it in the 48th percentile—statistically they are nearly identical overall performers.

The i5's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-9500T (avg score 2493, just 0.1% behind), the Xeon E5-2630 v3 (2507, 0.4% ahead), and the Xeon E5-2643 v3 (2511, 0.6% ahead). The Xeon D-1540's nearest rivals are the Core i3-12100TE (2475, 0.3% ahead), Core i5-8600 (2454, 0.5% behind), and Core i3-1125G4 (2451, 0.7% behind).

The Verdict

The Xeon D-1540 is the faster processor in every benchmark where both were tested, but the margins are small—between 4.3% and 5%. If raw compute performance is the sole criterion, the Xeon wins outright. It also offers ECC memory support, double the cores and threads, and more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16), making it the logical choice for server or workstation duty where reliability and multi-threaded throughput matter.

The i5-1155G7, however, is not without its advantages. It includes integrated graphics, uses a newer 10 nm process, runs at a much lower 28 W TDP, and supports PCIe Gen 4. Its launch MSRP of $309 is significantly lower than the Xeon's $581. For a mobile or low-power system where display output is needed and power draw is a concern, the i5 is the more practical option.

The data shows these are different tools for different jobs. The Xeon D-1540 targets sustained server workloads with ECC memory and high core counts, while the i5-1155G7 suits compact, power-efficient laptops or embedded systems. If you need ECC, more cores, and server-grade reliability, the Xeon D-1540 is the clear pick. If you need integrated graphics, lower power consumption, and a newer platform with PCIe Gen 4, the i5-1155G7 makes more sense—just accept that it trails in every benchmark comparison.