Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Xeon E3-1265L v4 Comparison
Intel Core i5-4690K
Xeon E3-1265L v4
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Xeon E3-1265L v4
The Intel Xeon E3-1265L v4 and Intel Core i5-4690K are both LGA 1150 processors, but they target different segments. The Xeon is a Broadwell-based server/workstation chip with 8 threads and a 35 W TDP, while the i5 is a Haswell desktop part with 4 threads and an 88 W TDP. Benchmark results from the database show a clear performance gap across all recorded Cinebench tests, with the Xeon winning every head-to-head comparison.
Where Each One Wins
In the head-to-head benchmark set, the Xeon E3-1265L v4 wins all six tests. The i5-4690K does not win any. The Xeon's wins are consistent across both multi-core and single-core workloads. For multi-threaded rendering, the Xeon leads by 22.4% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. For single-threaded tests, it leads by 23.5% in R15 and 22.5% in R23. This means the Xeon is the better choice for both heavily threaded tasks and lightly threaded applications. The i5's higher base and boost clocks (3.50/3.90 GHz versus 2.30/3.30 GHz) do not translate into benchmark wins. The i5 does have an unlocked multiplier, which allows overclocking, but the recorded data does not include overclocked results. Based on stock measurements, the Xeon is the winner in every category.
Architecture Differences
The two processors differ significantly in architecture and feature set. The Xeon uses the Broadwell-DT architecture on a 14 nm process, while the i5 uses Haswell on a 22 nm process. The Xeon has 4 cores and 8 threads, whereas the i5 has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Xeon supports ECC memory, which the i5 does not. Integrated graphics also differ: the Xeon includes Intel Iris Pro P6300, while the i5 has Intel HD 4600. Memory bandwidth is higher on the Xeon at 29.9 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s for the i5. The Xeon has a TDP of 35 W, compared to 88 W for the i5. Die size is 182 mm² for the Xeon and 177 mm² for the i5, though the i5 lists a transistor count of 1,400 million while the Xeon does not. The Xeon is classified as a server/workstation part, while the i5 is a desktop part. The Xeon was released in June 2015, the i5 in June 2014. The Xeon has a locked multiplier, while the i5 is unlocked. Both share the same L3 cache size (6 MB), the same L1 and L2 per-core caches, the same socket, the same DDR3 dual-channel memory support, and the same PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes.
FAQ
Q: Which processor has more threads?
A: The Xeon E3-1265L v4 has 8 threads, while the i5-4690K has 4 threads.
Q: Does the Xeon support ECC memory?
A: Yes, the Xeon has ECC memory support, while the i5 does not.
Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?
A: The i5-4690K has a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, compared to 3.30 GHz for the Xeon.
Q: Which processor has a lower TDP?
A: The Xeon has a TDP of 35 W, while the i5 has 88 W.
Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?
A: The Xeon scores 5910, while the i5 scores 4828, a 22.4% lead for the Xeon.
Q: Is the i5 multiplier unlocked?
A: Yes, the i5-4690K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon is locked.
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Xeon E3-1265L v4 | Intel Core i5-4690K |
|----------------|------------------------|---------------------|
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Base clock | 2.30 GHz | 3.50 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.90 GHz |
| TDP | 35 W | 88 W |
| Architecture | Broadwell | Haswell |
| Process node | 14 nm | 22 nm |
| Die size | 182 mm² | 177 mm² |
| Transistors | Not listed | 1,400 million |
| Memory bandwidth | 29.9 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC memory | Yes | No |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Pro P6300 | Intel HD 4600 |
| Market segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |
| Release date | June 2015 | June 2014 |
| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |
| Part number | SR2B3 | SR21A |
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The head-to-head results are unambiguous. The Xeon wins every Cinebench test, with deltas ranging from 22.4% to 23.5%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 595 against the i5's 486, a 22.4% advantage. In R15 single-core, the Xeon scores 84 versus 68, a 23.5% lead. The R20 tests show the same pattern: multi-core 2482 versus 2027 (22.4%), single-core 350 versus 286 (22.4%). R23 continues the trend: multi-core 5910 versus 4828 (22.4%), single-core 834 versus 681 (22.5%). These consistent deltas indicate a systematic performance advantage for the Xeon across all Cinebench versions. The i5's higher clock speeds do not overcome the Xeon's architectural and thread advantages. The Xeon also has a higher average benchmark score of 1709, compared to 1682 for the i5, though that average includes additional tests not present in the head-to-head set.
The Verdict
Based on the recorded data, the Xeon E3-1265L v4 is the superior performer in every head-to-head benchmark. It wins all six Cinebench tests with deltas between 22.4% and 23.5%. It also has a lower TDP (35 W versus 88 W) and supports ECC memory, making it suitable for server and workstation environments. The i5-4690K offers an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, but the stock benchmark results show no wins. For users who prioritize out-of-the-box performance and power efficiency, the Xeon is the clear choice. For those who plan to overclock and do not need ECC, the i5 may be considered, but the data does not support a performance advantage at stock settings.