Intel Core i5-4590T vs Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 Comparison

Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 and Intel Core i5-4590T are both 22 nm Haswell parts on the Intel Socket 1150 platform, released on the same day and sharing the same 1,400 million transistor count. However, the data reveals a sharp performance divergence driven by clock speed and cache allocation. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 posts an average benchmark score of 1357, while the Core i5-4590T averages 1340, a difference that places them in the same 36th percentile of all CPUs. Despite this statistical near-tie, the head-to-head Cinebench results show the Xeon winning all five tests by margins of roughly 36%, making the two chips far apart in sustained workload capability.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 in multi-core rendering?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 scores 472 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, while the Core i5-4590T scores 347. That is a 36% advantage for the Xeon, a margin that persists across newer tests: 1970 vs 1446 in R20 multi-core (36.2%) and 4692 vs 3445 in R23 multi-core (36.2%).

Q: Do the single-core benchmarks tell a different story?

A: No, the pattern holds. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 leads in Cinebench R20 single-core with 278 vs 204 (36.3% delta), and in R23 single-core with 662 vs 486 (36.2% delta). The Xeon’s higher base clock of 3.30 GHz versus 2000 MHz for the i5-4590T appears to be the dominant factor.

Q: Which CPU has more cache?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core i5-4590T has 6 MB. Both have 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 supports ECC memory, while the Core i5-4590T does not. This is a key differentiator given the Xeon’s server/workstation market segment.

Q: How do these chips compare to their closest rivals?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3’s nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-6500T, which scores 1362, a 0.3% delta — essentially identical. The Core i5-4590T’s nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-760 at 1337, a 0.2% delta, showing both chips sit in a crowded mid-range performance band.

Q: Which CPU has the higher power envelope?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a 84 W TDP, while the Core i5-4590T has a 35 W TDP. This reflects the i5-4590T’s low-power desktop positioning versus the Xeon’s workstation focus.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel’s 22 nm node with 1,400 million transistors, but the die sizes and cache configurations diverge. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 uses a 160 mm² die under the Haswell-WS codename, while the Core i5-4590T uses a larger 177 mm² die under the plain Haswell codename. This is counterintuitive — the Xeon has more cache (8 MB vs 6 MB shared L3) yet a smaller die, suggesting different binning and possibly disabled silicon regions on the i5.

Clock speeds are the most dramatic architectural difference. The Xeon E3-1226 v3 runs a base clock of 3.30 GHz with a boost to 3.70 GHz. The Core i5-4590T’s base clock is listed as 2000.00 MHz (2.00 GHz) with a boost to 3.00 GHz. That 1.30 GHz base clock gap and 0.70 GHz boost gap explain why the Xeon wins every benchmark by a consistent 36% margin. The Xeon’s boost clock is 23% higher than the i5’s boost, and its base clock is 65% higher.

Memory support is identical on paper: both use DDR3 with dual-channel bus and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe connectivity is also the same: Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ slightly — the Xeon has Intel HD P4600, while the i5-4590T has Intel HD 4600. Both are end-of-life products released on the same date, neither has an unlocked multiplier, and both use the Intel Socket 1150.

The market segments reveal the intended use cases: the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is a Server/Workstation part, while the Core i5-4590T targets Desktop. This is reflected in ECC support (only the Xeon has it) and the TDP difference (84 W vs 35 W). The Xeon’s part number is SR1R0, the i5’s is SR1S6.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 outperforms the Intel Core i5-4590T in every single benchmark recorded. The Xeon wins 5 head-to-head tests, the i5 wins 0. The margins are remarkably consistent — 36% in R15 multi-core, 36.2% in R20 multi-core, 36.3% in R20 single-core, 36.2% in R23 multi-core, and 36.2% in R23 single-core. This uniformity suggests a fundamental clock speed advantage rather than workload-specific optimizations.

For users who prioritize raw compute throughput, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is the clear choice. Its 3.30 GHz base clock and 3.70 GHz boost clock deliver roughly one-third more performance in Cinebench tests compared to the i5-4590T’s 2.00 GHz base and 3.00 GHz boost. The Xeon also offers ECC memory support and 2 MB more L3 cache, making it suitable for error-sensitive workstation tasks.

However, the Core i5-4590T is not without merit. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the Xeon’s 84 W, meaning it generates significantly less heat and requires less robust cooling. For a compact desktop or a system where power draw is a concern, the i5-4590T’s lower thermal envelope could be more appealing — though benchmark data shows that this efficiency comes at a steep performance cost. The i5-4590T’s launch MSRP is $192, while the Xeon’s is $213, a modest difference that does not compensate for the 36% performance gap in compute-heavy tasks.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several key specification fields. Clock speeds: the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and boost of 3.70 GHz, while the Core i5-4590T has a base clock of 2000.00 MHz and boost of 3.00 GHz. TDP: 84 W for the Xeon, 35 W for the i5. Die size: 160 mm² for the Xeon, 177 mm² for the i5. L3 cache: 8 MB shared for the Xeon, 6 MB shared for the i5. ECC memory support: true for the Xeon, false for the i5. Integrated graphics: Intel HD P4600 for the Xeon, Intel HD 4600 for the i5. Market segment: Server/Workstation for the Xeon, Desktop for the i5. Codename: Haswell-WS for the Xeon, Haswell for the i5. Part number: SR1R0 for the Xeon, SR1S6 for the i5.

Identical specifications include: 4 cores, 4 threads, 22 nm process node, 1,400 million transistors, 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, DDR3 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, Gen 3 PCIe with 16 lanes, Intel Socket 1150, end-of-life production status, same release date, and locked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 dominates every recorded benchmark. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 472 against the i5-4590T’s 347, a 36% delta. Moving to Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Xeon hits 1970 while the i5 manages 1446, a 36.2% delta. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 4692 for the Xeon and 3445 for the i5, again a 36.2% delta. The single-core tests follow suit: R20 single-core has the Xeon at 278 vs 204 (36.3% delta), and R23 single-core has the Xeon at 662 vs 486 (36.2% delta).

Notably, the Core i5-4590T has two Geekbench scores in its benchmark list — 2540 multi-core and 911 single-core — but the Xeon has no corresponding Geekbench entries. This means the head-to-head comparison relies entirely on Cinebench results, where the Xeon wins all five contests. The consistency of the 36% delta across both multi-core and single-core workloads suggests that the Xeon’s clock advantage is the sole differentiator, as both chips share identical core counts, thread counts, and memory bandwidth.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 is the winner in all compute-heavy scenarios based on benchmark data. Its 36% lead in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests makes it the superior choice for rendering, video encoding, and other multi-threaded workloads. The single-core wins (36.3% in R20, 36.2% in R23) indicate it also excels in lightly-threaded applications like legacy software or single-threaded scripts. The Xeon’s ECC memory support adds reliability for long-running server processes, and its 8 MB L3 cache provides more headroom for data-heavy tasks.

The Intel Core i5-4590T’s strengths lie outside benchmark scores. Its 35 W TDP is the standout feature, enabling low-profile cooling solutions and reduced system power draw. For a home theater PC, a silent office desktop, or any build where thermal output is paramount, the i5-4590T’s efficiency is a genuine advantage — though the data shows this comes at a 36% performance penalty in every Cinebench test. The i5-4590T also has Geekbench scores recorded (2540 multi-core, 911 single-core) that the Xeon lacks, but without comparable Xeon numbers, these cannot be used for direct comparison.

In summary, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 wins on raw performance, cache capacity, and ECC support. The Core i5-4590T wins on power consumption and integrated graphics naming (HD 4600 vs HD P4600, though both are comparable). For users who need maximum throughput, the Xeon is the data-backed choice. For users who prioritize minimal heat output and have less demanding workloads, the i5-4590T’s lower TDP is its only clear advantage.