Intel Core i5-6600T vs Intel Xeon E5-1428L v2 Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E5-1428L v2 wins every single head-to-head benchmark against the Intel Core i5-6600T. Across six Cinebench tests, the Xeon leads by margins between 10.7% and 11.1%. The i5-6600T does not claim a single victory in the comparison set. For workloads that rely on multi-threaded throughput, the Xeon is the clear choice. For single-threaded tasks, the Xeon also holds a consistent edge, despite its lower clock speeds. The database shows the Xeon’s average benchmark score at 1537, while the i5-6600T posts 1563, placing the i5 slightly higher overall in the aggregate metric, but the direct comparisons tell a different story. The i5-6600T holds a 39th percentile rank across all CPUs, while the Xeon sits at the 38th percentile. The Xeon wins every measured test, making it the superior performer in this pairing. The i5-6600T is the only option for users requiring integrated graphics or a desktop platform with DDR3 and DDR4 memory support. The Xeon is the only option for ECC memory and triple-channel DDR3.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel eras and target different markets. The Core i5-6600T is built on the Skylake architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the Xeon E5-1428L v2 uses the Ivy Bridge architecture on a 22 nm node. The i5-6600T is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop part, whereas the Xeon is a 6-core, 12-thread server/workstation processor. The Xeon’s transistor count is listed at 1,860 million on a 257 mm² die, while the i5-6600T has a 177 mm² die with no transistor count recorded.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The i5-6600T has 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon also has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but its L3 cache is 15 MB shared. The Xeon’s larger cache is a direct result of its server-oriented design, supporting more cores and threads.

Memory support splits them further. The i5-6600T supports both DDR3 and DDR4 in dual-channel configuration with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, and it does not support ECC memory. The Xeon supports only DDR3 in triple-channel configuration with 32.0 GB/s bandwidth, and it does support ECC memory. The Xeon also offers more PCIe lanes: 24 lanes (CPU only) versus 16 lanes on the i5-6600T, both on Gen 3.

The i5-6600T includes integrated UHD Graphics 530, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics. The Xeon targets the server/workstation segment, while the i5 is a desktop part. Both are end-of-life products. The Xeon was released on 2014-01-08, while the i5-6600T came later on 2015-07-01. The Xeon’s launch MSRP is $494, and the i5-6600T’s launch MSRP is $213.

Clock speeds favor the i5-6600T on paper. Its base clock is 2.70 GHz with a boost of 3.50 GHz, versus the Xeon’s 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost. The Xeon’s TDP is higher at 60 W, compared to the i5-6600T’s 35 W. Despite the clock disadvantage, the Xeon wins all benchmarks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a consistent pattern. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 535 against the i5-6600T’s 478, a 10.7% deficit for the i5. In single-core R15, the Xeon posts 75 versus 67, again a 10.7% gap. The same margin appears in Cinebench R20: multi-core 2232 for the Xeon versus 1992 for the i5, and single-core 315 versus 280, which is an 11.1% difference. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 5316 for the Xeon versus 4745 for the i5, a 10.7% gap, and single-core 750 versus 669, a 10.8% difference.

The Xeon’s victory is not marginal; it is uniform across every test. The i5-6600T’s higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz does not translate into a single-core win. The Xeon’s 2.70 GHz boost clock still delivers better single-core performance in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. This suggests that the Xeon’s architecture, cache size, or other factors compensate for its lower clocks.

The Geekbench results are only recorded for the i5-6600T, which scores 3104 multi-core and 1172 single-core. No Geekbench scores are listed for the Xeon, so no comparison is possible for that test. The Cinebench suite provides the full comparison, and it is entirely in the Xeon’s favor.

The average benchmark score metric slightly favors the i5-6600T at 1563 versus 1537 for the Xeon. This aggregate number includes Geekbench results for the i5 only, which may explain the discrepancy. The direct Cinebench comparisons, however, are the more reliable head-to-head evidence, and they show the Xeon winning all six tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1428L v2 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i5-6600T has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Does the Core i5-6600T support ECC memory?

A: No. The i5-6600T does not support ECC memory, while the Xeon E5-1428L v2 does support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i5-6600T includes UHD Graphics 530. The Xeon E5-1428L v2 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The i5-6600T has 34.1 GB/s bandwidth with dual-channel DDR3/DDR4 support. The Xeon has 32.0 GB/s bandwidth with triple-channel DDR3 support.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Xeon E5-1428L v2 wins with a score of 5316, compared to the i5-6600T’s 4745, a 10.7% advantage.

Q: What is the socket difference?

A: The i5-6600T uses Intel Socket 1151, while the Xeon E5-1428L v2 uses Intel Socket 1356.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E5-1428L v2 wins every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, so it is the superior choice for raw performance in both multi-core and single-core workloads. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide a clear throughput advantage in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. The Xeon also leads in single-core tests, which is notable given its lower clock speeds. Users prioritizing ECC memory support, triple-channel memory bandwidth (though slightly lower total bandwidth), or a server/workstation platform should choose the Xeon.

The Core i5-6600T wins in scenarios where the Xeon cannot operate. It has integrated graphics, so systems without a discrete GPU can use the i5-6600T. It supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, offering more flexibility for desktop builds. Its lower TDP of 35 W versus the Xeon’s 60 W makes it a better fit for power-constrained or compact desktop systems. The i5-6600T also has a higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz, which may appeal to users who expect higher clock speeds to matter, though the data shows the Xeon outperforming it regardless.

For users on a desktop platform with Socket 1151, the i5-6600T is the only compatible choice. For users on a server platform with Socket 1356, the Xeon is the only compatible choice. The i5-6600T’s average benchmark score of 1563 is slightly higher than the Xeon’s 1537, but this aggregate includes Geekbench scores that are not recorded for the Xeon. In the tests where both are measured, the Xeon wins outright.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The Core i5-6600T has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Xeon has 6 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks are 2.70 GHz for the i5 and 2.20 GHz for the Xeon. Boost clocks are 3.50 GHz for the i5 and 2.70 GHz for the Xeon. TDP differs significantly: 35 W for the i5 versus 60 W for the Xeon.

The socket is different: Socket 1151 for the i5, Socket 1356 for the Xeon. The architecture differs: Skylake for the i5, Ivy Bridge for the Xeon. Process nodes differ: 14 nm for the i5, 22 nm for the Xeon. Die sizes are 177 mm² for the i5 and 257 mm² for the Xeon. The Xeon’s transistor count is 1,860 million; no transistor count is recorded for the i5.

L3 cache is 6 MB shared for the i5 and 15 MB shared for the Xeon. L1 and L2 cache are the same per core at 64 KB and 256 KB respectively. Memory support differs: the i5 supports DDR3 and DDR4, the Xeon supports only DDR3. Memory bus is dual-channel for the i5 and triple-channel for the Xeon. Memory bandwidth is 34.1 GB/s for the i5 and 32.0 GB/s for the Xeon. ECC memory is not supported on the i5 but is supported on the Xeon.

PCIe lanes are 16 for the i5 and 24 for the Xeon, both Gen 3. Integrated graphics are present on the i5 (UHD Graphics 530) and absent on the Xeon. Market segments are Desktop for the i5 and Server/Workstation for the Xeon. Release dates are 2015-07-01 for the i5 and 2014-01-08 for the Xeon. Launch MSRP is $213 for the i5 and $494 for the Xeon. Both have locked multipliers and are end-of-life parts.