Intel Core i5-5675R vs Intel Xeon D-1528 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded benchmark data presents a clear and consistent split: the Intel Xeon D-1528 wins every single head-to-head comparison against the Intel Core i5-5675R across all six Cinebench tests. The Xeon D-1528 takes both multi-core and single-core victories, with deltas ranging from 22.4% to 22.7%. There is no test in the database where the Core i5-5675R comes out ahead.

Looking at the use-case split, the Xeon D-1528 is the stronger choice for threaded workloads. With 6 cores and 12 threads versus the Core i5-5675R's 4 cores and 4 threads, the Xeon's advantage in multi-core tests is substantial. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon scores 5799 against the Core i5's 4733, a 22.5% lead. This pattern repeats across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, making the Xeon the pick for rendering, compiling, or any parallel processing task.

For single-core performance, the Xeon D-1528 also wins, though this is more surprising given its lower base clock of 1900 MHz versus the Core i5's 3100 MHz. The Xeon's boost clock reaches 2.50 GHz, while the Core i5 boosts to 3.60 GHz. Yet in Cinebench R23 single-core, the Xeon scores 818 versus 668, a 22.5% advantage. The data shows the Xeon wins on single-threaded tasks too, despite the clock speed deficit.

The Core i5-5675R does have one unique asset: integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200. The Xeon D-1528 has no integrated graphics listed. For a system relying on the CPU's built-in display output, the Core i5 is the only option between these two. But for raw CPU compute, the Xeon dominates every recorded test.

Both processors sit at the 40th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating they are mid-pack performers overall. The average benchmark scores are close: the Xeon D-1528 averages 1677, while the Core i5-5675R averages 1648. That is a difference of only 1.8%, despite the Xeon's clear win in every Cinebench test. This suggests the Core i5's performance is competitive when considering the full benchmark suite, even if the Cinebench results favor the Xeon.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 wins all multi-core Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 5799 versus 4733 for the Core i5-5675R, a 22.5% advantage. The same margin applies to R15 (584 vs 476) and R20 (2435 vs 1987).

Q: Does the Core i5-5675R win any single-core test?

A: No. The Xeon D-1528 wins every single-core test in the database. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Xeon scores 818 versus 668, a 22.5% lead. The delta is 22.4% in R15 (82 vs 67) and 22.5% in R20 (343 vs 280).

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The Xeon D-1528 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core i5-5675R has 4 cores and 4 threads. This core and thread advantage directly contributes to the Xeon's multi-core wins.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The Xeon D-1528 has a TDP of 35 watts. The Core i5-5675R has a TDP of 65 watts. The Xeon delivers higher benchmark scores while drawing less power according to the recorded specifications.

Q: Does either CPU support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon D-1528 supports ECC memory. The Core i5-5675R does not. This makes the Xeon suitable for server or workstation environments where error-correcting memory is required.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i5-5675R includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200. The Xeon D-1528 has no integrated graphics listed in the database. For systems requiring a built-in GPU, only the Core i5 qualifies.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a perfectly uniform pattern: the Xeon D-1528 wins all six Cinebench comparisons, and the margin is nearly identical across every test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 584 against 476, a 22.7% delta. Single-core R15 shows 82 versus 67, a 22.4% delta. The consistency of these margins suggests the performance gap is structural, tied to architectural differences rather than test-specific quirks.

Cinebench R20 follows the same script. Multi-core: 2435 for the Xeon, 1987 for the Core i5, a 22.5% delta. Single-core: 343 versus 280, also 22.5%. The Xeon's advantage holds steady regardless of workload intensity.

Cinebench R23, the most demanding of the three, repeats the pattern. Multi-core: 5799 versus 4733, 22.5% ahead. Single-core: 818 versus 668, again 22.5%. The Xeon's lead does not shrink as the workload scales up; it remains constant.

The Core i5-5675R does have additional Geekbench scores in the database: 3738 multi-core and 1234 single-core. The Xeon D-1528 does not have Geekbench results recorded, so no direct comparison is possible for that test. However, the Cinebench results alone establish the Xeon's dominance.

The average benchmark scores tell a slightly different story. The Xeon averages 1677, the Core i5 averages 1648. That is a 1.8% gap, far smaller than the 22.5% Cinebench margins. The Core i5's Geekbench scores likely pull its average up, narrowing the overall difference. Still, on the tests where both CPUs are measured directly, the Xeon wins every time.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The Xeon D-1528 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Core i5-5675R has 4 cores and 4 threads. This is the most significant difference, explaining the Xeon's multi-core advantage.

Base clocks diverge sharply. The Xeon runs at 1900 MHz, the Core i5 at 3100 MHz. Boost clocks also differ: 2.50 GHz for the Xeon, 3.60 GHz for the Core i5. Despite the Core i5's higher clocks, the Xeon still wins single-core tests in the recorded data.

TDP is another major split. The Xeon uses 35 watts, the Core i5 uses 65 watts. The Xeon achieves higher performance while consuming less power, according to the specifications.

Sockets are different: the Xeon uses Intel BGA 1667, the Core i5 uses Intel BGA 1364. They are not interchangeable. Memory support also differs: the Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the Core i5 supports only DDR3. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Core i5 lists a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s; the Xeon does not have a bandwidth figure recorded.

PCIe lane counts differ. The Xeon provides Gen 3 with 24 lanes (CPU only), the Core i5 provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Xeon offers more expansion headroom.

ECC memory is supported only on the Xeon. The Core i5 lacks this feature. Integrated graphics are present only on the Core i5, with Iris Pro Graphics 6200; the Xeon has none.

Release dates are a few months apart. The Core i5-5675R launched on 2015-05-14, the Xeon D-1528 on 2015-10-31. Both use the Broadwell architecture and a 14 nm process node. The Xeon's die size is 246 mm², while the Core i5's is 182 mm². The Xeon lists 3,200 million transistors; the Core i5 does not have a transistor count recorded.

Architecture Differences

Both CPUs are built on Intel's Broadwell architecture with a 14 nm process node. They share the same foundational design, but the implementations diverge significantly.

The Xeon D-1528 belongs to the Xeon D generation (Broadwell-DE), targeting server and workstation applications. Its cache layout uses per-core allocations: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 1.5 MB of L3 per core. This means the total L3 cache scales with core count, reaching 9 MB across 6 cores. The Xeon supports ECC memory and both DDR3 and DDR4, reflecting its server orientation.

The Core i5-5675R belongs to the Core i5 generation (Broadwell), targeting desktop use. Its cache is partially shared: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, but L3 is 4 MB shared across all cores. This is a smaller total cache pool than the Xeon's per-core L3 arrangement. The Core i5 supports only DDR3 memory and has no ECC capability.

The Xeon's larger die (246 mm² versus 182 mm²) and higher transistor count (3,200 million versus unlisted for the Core i5) indicate a more complex silicon design. The Xeon also has more PCIe lanes (24 versus 16), supporting its workstation role.

The Core i5 includes integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200, a feature the Xeon lacks entirely. This makes the Core i5 a complete package for desktop systems without a discrete GPU, while the Xeon relies on external graphics.

Despite sharing the Broadwell architecture and 14 nm process, the two chips are optimized for different roles. The Xeon prioritizes throughput, ECC reliability, and memory flexibility. The Core i5 prioritizes clock speed, integrated graphics, and desktop simplicity. The benchmark data reflects this: the Xeon wins every compute test, while the Core i5 offers features the Xeon cannot match.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear choice for compute-heavy workloads. The Intel Xeon D-1528 wins all six Cinebench tests, with deltas of 22.4% to 22.7%. It delivers these wins at a TDP of 35 watts, nearly half the Core i5's 65 watts. For server, workstation, or any multi-threaded application, the Xeon is the stronger processor.

The Xeon also wins single-core tests, despite the Core i5's higher base and boost clocks. The recorded scores show the Xeon ahead by 22.4% in Cinebench R15 single-core and 22.5% in R23 single-core. Clock speed alone does not determine the outcome; the Xeon's architecture compensates for its lower frequencies.

The Core i5-5675R has one decisive advantage: integrated graphics. With Iris Pro Graphics 6200, it can drive a display without a discrete GPU. The Xeon has no integrated graphics, requiring a separate graphics card. For a desktop system where simplicity matters, the Core i5 is the practical choice.

ECC memory support is another differentiator. The Xeon supports ECC, the Core i5 does not. Applications requiring error-correcting memory must use the Xeon. The Xeon also supports DDR4 alongside DDR3, while the Core i5 is limited to DDR3.

The average benchmark scores are close: 1677 for the Xeon, 1648 for the Core i5. Both sit at the 40th percentile among all CPUs. But the head-to-head Cinebench results are lopsided, with the Xeon winning every test. The Core i5's Geekbench scores, which the Xeon does not have recorded, likely narrow the average gap.

Who should pick which? For server racks, virtualization hosts, or render farms, the Xeon D-1528 is the data-backed choice. It wins every compute test, uses less power, supports ECC, and offers more PCIe lanes. For a desktop with integrated graphics needs, the Core i5-5675R is the only option between these two, and it holds its own in average benchmark scores. But for pure processing performance, the Xeon D-1528 wins outright.