Intel Core i5-4570R vs Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data presents a clear, one-sided outcome. The Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, taking all six tests. The Intel Core i5-4570R does not win a single recorded test. The Xeon’s average benchmark score is 1357, placing it at the 36th percentile of all CPUs. The i5-4570R averages 1318, which places it at the 35th percentile. The performance gap between them is consistent and significant, ranging from 17.3% to 18.2% depending on the workload.

The Xeon is the straightforward choice for any workload where raw processing power is the priority. It is faster in both multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks across all Cinebench versions recorded. The i5-4570R, despite having the same core and thread count, falls behind by a wide margin. There is no benchmark category in the database where the i5-4570R is the better performer.

However, the i5-4570R is not without merit. It carries a substantially stronger integrated graphics solution, the Intel Iris Pro 5200, compared to the Xeon’s Intel HD P4600. For systems that will rely heavily on the built-in GPU for display output or light graphics acceleration without a discrete card, the i5-4570R is the more sensible component. The Xeon, by contrast, targets server and workstation environments where a dedicated GPU is standard practice.

In short, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is the performance leader by every recorded metric. The i5-4570R is the better fit for compact, integrated graphics-dependent builds. The data does not support choosing the i5-4570R for compute performance, but it does support choosing it for its graphics capabilities.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel’s Haswell architecture and use the same 22 nm process node from Intel. They share the same core and thread configuration: 4 cores and 4 threads. They also both support dual-channel DDR3 memory with an identical memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s and offer PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The differences emerge in several key areas. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses the codename Haswell-WS and has a transistor count of 1,400 million on a die size of 160 mm². The i5-4570R, codenamed Crystal Well, contains 1,700 million transistors on a larger 260 mm² die. This size difference is largely attributable to the i5’s integrated Iris Pro 5200 graphics, which requires additional silicon.

Cache configuration also differs. The i5-4570R has a shared L3 cache of 4 MB, while the Xeon doubles that to 8 MB. Both have the same L1 cache of 64 KB per core and L2 cache of 256 KB per core. The larger L3 cache on the Xeon is a notable advantage for workloads that repeatedly access a working set of data.

The sockets are different. The i5-4570R uses Intel BGA 1364, a ball-grid array that is typically soldered to the motherboard. The Xeon uses Intel Socket 1150, a standard LGA socket that allows for easier installation and replacement. This difference influences platform selection.

The integrated graphics differ significantly. The i5-4570R features Intel Iris Pro 5200, while the Xeon features Intel HD P4600. The Iris Pro is the higher-tier graphics solution. The Xeon compensates with ECC memory support, a feature absent on the i5-4570R. ECC memory is critical for error-sensitive server and workstation tasks.

The Xeon has a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, compared to the i5-4570R’s 2.70 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost. The Xeon also has a higher TDP of 84 watts versus 65 watts for the i5. Release dates differ as well: the i5-4570R launched in June 2013, while the Xeon followed in May 2014. Both are end-of-life products.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 dominates every Cinebench test in the head-to-head comparison. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 472 against the i5-4570R’s 390, a delta of -17.4%. In the single-core variant of R15, the Xeon scores 66 versus 54, a delta of -18.2%. These are the largest and smallest gaps recorded, respectively.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the pattern holds. The Xeon scores 1970 in multi-core, while the i5-4570R scores 1629, a delta of -17.3%. In single-core R20, the Xeon scores 278 against 229, a delta of -17.6%. The margins are nearly identical to those in R15.

Cinebench R23 shows the same story. The Xeon reaches 4692 in multi-core, while the i5-4570R manages 3879, a delta of -17.3%. In single-core R23, the Xeon scores 662 against 547, a delta of -17.4%. Across all six tests, the Xeon’s advantage stays remarkably consistent, hovering between 17.3% and 18.2%.

The i5-4570R has no recorded wins. Its best relative performance comes in multi-core tests where the delta is slightly smaller, but it never comes close to closing the gap. The Xeon’s higher clock speeds and larger L3 cache appear to translate directly into a uniform performance advantage across all Cinebench versions.

It is also worth remembering the i5-4570R has additional Geekbench scores in the database: 2872 multi-core and 943 single-core. The Xeon does not have corresponding Geekbench entries in this comparison. Those scores are not part of the head-to-head table, but they contribute to the i5’s overall average benchmark score of 1318.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 has an average benchmark score of 1357, while the Intel Core i5-4570R has an average score of 1318.

Q: How large is the performance gap in single-core tests?

A: In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Xeon scores 66 against the i5-4570R’s 54, a delta of -18.2%. In R20 single-core, the Xeon scores 278 versus 229, a delta of -17.6%. In R23 single-core, the Xeon scores 662 versus 547, a delta of -17.4%.

Q: Does the i5-4570R win any benchmark?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the Xeon E3-1226 v3 winning all six recorded tests, with the i5-4570R recording zero wins.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The i5-4570R has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 supports ECC memory, while the i5-4570R does not.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The i5-4570R has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a TDP of 84 watts.

Q: Which CPU has the higher boost clock?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, compared to the i5-4570R’s boost clock of 3.20 GHz.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 wins in every compute benchmark category recorded. It outperforms the i5-4570R by roughly 17% to 18% in both multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests. This makes it the clear choice for CPU-bound workloads such as software compilation, video encoding, 3D rendering, and any task that benefits from higher clock speeds and a larger L3 cache. The Xeon’s support for ECC memory further solidifies its position for server and workstation environments where data integrity is paramount. Its socket design, Intel Socket 1150, also allows for easier servicing and upgrades compared to the soldered BGA package of the i5.

The i5-4570R wins in one specific area: integrated graphics. It ships with Intel Iris Pro 5200, a markedly more capable GPU than the Xeon’s Intel HD P4600. For a compact desktop or an all-in-one system that will not use a discrete graphics card, the i5-4570R provides a better visual experience. It also has a lower TDP of 65 watts, which could be a consideration for thermally constrained or low-noise builds. The i5’s smaller footprint, enabled by its BGA socket and larger die for graphics, makes it suitable for embedded or mini-PC designs.

The data does not show any compute scenario where the i5-4570R is preferable. The Xeon’s higher base and boost clocks, combined with double the L3 cache, produce a consistent advantage. The i5’s only measurable edge is its integrated graphics tier and its lower power draw. For users who prioritize raw CPU performance, the Xeon is the only option from this pair. For users who prioritize integrated graphics and low power, the i5-4570R is the only option.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the Intel Core i5-4570R and the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3:

• Base Clock: The i5-4570R runs at 2.70 GHz, while the Xeon runs at 3.30 GHz.
• Boost Clock: The i5-4570R boosts to 3.20 GHz, while the Xeon boosts to 3.70 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-4570R is rated at 65 watts, the Xeon at 84 watts.
• Socket: The i5-4570R uses Intel BGA 1364, the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1150.
• Codename: The i5-4570R is Crystal Well, the Xeon is Haswell-WS.
• Transistors: The i5-4570R has 1,700 million, the Xeon has 1,400 million.
• Die Size: The i5-4570R measures 260 mm², the Xeon measures 160 mm².
• L3 Cache: The i5-4570R has 4 MB shared, the Xeon has 8 MB shared.
• ECC Memory: The i5-4570R does not support ECC, the Xeon does.
• Integrated Graphics: The i5-4570R has Intel Iris Pro 5200, the Xeon has Intel HD P4600.
• Market Segment: The i5-4570R is Desktop, the Xeon is Server/Workstation.
• Release Date: The i5-4570R launched in June 2013, the Xeon in May 2014.
• Part Number: The i5-4570R is SR18P, the Xeon is SR1R0.
• Launch MSRP: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a launch MSRP of $213. The i5-4570R does not have a recorded launch MSRP.
• Average Benchmark Score: The i5-4570R averages 1318, the Xeon averages 1357.
• Percentile: The i5-4570R sits at the 35th percentile, the Xeon at the 36th percentile.

Both CPUs share the same architecture (Haswell), process node (22 nm), core count (4), thread count (4), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory type (DDR3), memory bus (dual-channel), memory bandwidth (25.6 GB/s), PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), and multiplier status (locked).