Intel Core i5-4690 vs Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4690 and Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 are both 4-core, 4-thread Haswell processors on the Intel Socket 1150 platform. The i5 wins every recorded Cinebench test, but the Xeon brings ECC memory support and a larger L3 cache. This analysis compares their benchmark results, specifications, and architecture to clarify which one fits which use case.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690 boosts to 3.80 GHz, while the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 boosts to 3.70 GHz.

Q: Does the Xeon E3-1226 v3 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 supports ECC memory. The Core i5-4690 does not.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The Xeon E3-1226 v3 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core i5-4690 has 6 MB.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for these two CPUs?

A: The Core i5-4690 has an average benchmark score of 1375, and the Xeon E3-1226 v3 has an average score of 1357.

Q: Which CPU scores higher in Cinebench R23 single-core?

A: The Core i5-4690 scores 671, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 scores 662.

Q: Are both processors on the same socket?

A: Yes, both use Intel Socket 1150 and have the same 84 W TDP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Core i5-4690 wins all six recorded Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 1.1% to 1.5%. Its average benchmark score of 1375 also tops the Xeon's 1357. For any workload that relies on raw compute performance, the i5-4690 is the better pick.

The Xeon E3-1226 v3, however, is not without merit. It supports ECC memory, which the i5 does not, and it carries a larger 8 MB L3 cache compared to the i5's 6 MB. These features matter in server or workstation environments where data integrity and larger working sets are priorities. The Xeon also has a launch MSRP of $213, but that figure does not change the performance picture.

If you need ECC memory or the extra cache, the Xeon is the only choice. If you want the fastest possible Cinebench scores on this socket, the i5-4690 is the clear winner.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a clean sweep for the Core i5-4690. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5 scores 479 against the Xeon's 472, a 1.5% lead. The single-core R15 test follows the same pattern: 67 versus 66, again a 1.5% margin. Moving to Cinebench R20, the i5 takes multi-core with 1996 versus 1970 (1.3% ahead) and single-core with 281 versus 278 (1.1% ahead). In Cinebench R23, the i5 leads multi-core with 4754 versus 4692 (1.3%) and single-core with 671 versus 662 (1.4%).

The largest wins are in the R15 tests, where the i5 is 1.5% ahead in both multi-core and single-core. The smallest margin is in R20 single-core at 1.1%. Across all six tests, the i5 never loses a single benchmark. The Xeon's best performance is its R20 multi-core score, which comes within 1.3% of the i5, but it still falls short.

These are small but consistent differences. The i5's higher base and boost clocks (3.40 GHz and 3.80 GHz versus 3.30 GHz and 3.70 GHz) likely contribute to its edge in every test. The Xeon's larger L3 cache does not translate into a win in any of the recorded Cinebench workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors share many core specifications: both have 4 cores, 4 threads, 84 W TDP, Intel Socket 1150, DDR3 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, and a 22 nm process node with 1,400 million transistors. They also both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core.

The differences are clear. The i5-4690 has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz, while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 runs at 3.30 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost. The L3 cache differs: 6 MB shared on the i5 versus 8 MB shared on the Xeon. The Xeon also lists a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, a figure not provided for the i5. ECC memory support is present on the Xeon but absent on the i5. The integrated graphics differ as well: the i5 uses Intel HD 4600, while the Xeon uses Intel HD P4600. The PCIe specification is listed as "Gen 3" for the i5, while the Xeon specifies "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)". The market segment is Desktop for the i5 and Server/Workstation for the Xeon. The Xeon is marked as End-of-life, while the i5 has no production status listed. The release dates are close: the i5 launched on 2014-04-30, the Xeon on 2014-05-10. The die size also differs: 177 mm² for the i5, 160 mm² for the Xeon. The Xeon has a part number (SR1R0) and a launch MSRP of $213; the i5 has neither.

Architecture Differences

Both CPUs are built on Intel's Haswell architecture, but they belong to different product lines. The i5-4690 is a Core i5 part with the codename "Haswell", while the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is a Xeon E3 part with the codename "Haswell-WS". The process node is identical at 22 nm, and both use the same transistor count of 1,400 million. The die size, however, is smaller on the Xeon at 160 mm² versus 177 mm² on the i5.

The most significant architectural difference is the L3 cache: the Xeon has 8 MB shared, the i5 has 6 MB. This extra cache can help in workloads that repeatedly access a large working set. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which is a feature absent on the i5. ECC is critical for error correction in memory-heavy server tasks. The integrated graphics differ as well: the i5 has HD 4600, the Xeon has HD P4600. The Xeon's PCIe implementation is explicitly listed as 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i5's is simply "Gen 3" without lane details. The Xeon is also designated for the Server/Workstation market segment, while the i5 is a Desktop part. The Xeon is marked as End-of-life, which may affect long-term availability.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i5-4690 wins in every benchmark category recorded. It is faster in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core. For any application that depends on CPU compute, such as rendering, encoding, or general productivity, the i5-4690 is the superior choice. Its higher clock speeds give it a consistent edge, and its average benchmark score of 1375 confirms that.

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 wins in features that are not measured by Cinebench. It supports ECC memory, which is essential for systems that require data integrity, such as file servers or workstations handling critical calculations. Its larger 8 MB L3 cache can benefit workloads that fit within that cache, though the benchmark data does not show a performance advantage in the tested Cinebench scenarios. The Xeon also has a defined memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, a specification not listed for the i5, which may be relevant for memory-bound tasks.

In practical terms, if you are building a desktop for gaming or general use, the i5-4690 is the better performer. If you need ECC support and are willing to accept slightly lower clock speeds, the Xeon E3-1226 v3 is the appropriate choice for a server or workstation environment. The data shows that the i5 wins all six head-to-head tests, but the Xeon's unique features make it the only option for specific reliability requirements.