Intel Core i7-1160G7 vs Intel Xeon E3-1585 v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear, consistent picture across the entire Cinebench suite: the Intel Core i7-1160G7 wins all six recorded head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Xeon E3-1585 v5. While the margins are narrow, they are uniform, which suggests a systematic advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Core i7-1160G7 scores 740 against the Xeon's 720, a 2.8% lead. The single-core R15 result is nearly identical in percentage terms, with the Core i7-1160G7 posting 104 points versus 101 points, a 3% advantage. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore test shows 3084 for the Core i7-1160G7 and 3001 for the Xeon, again a 2.8% delta. The R20 single-core run reinforces the pattern: 435 versus 423, a 2.8% edge.

The latest rendering workloads tell the same story. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Core i7-1160G7 reaches 7343 points, while the Xeon E3-1585 v5 trails at 7146, a 2.8% gap. The R23 single-core test rounds out the sweep with 1036 against 1008, another 2.8% margin. Every single benchmark, across three generations of the Cinebench suite and both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, lands within a tight 2.8% to 3% band. There is no test where the Xeon manages to pull ahead, even by a single point.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this hierarchy. The Core i7-1160G7 holds an average score of 2124, while the Xeon E3-1585 v5 sits at 2067. That places the Core i7-1160G7 roughly 2.8% higher on average, which matches the head-to-head deltas almost exactly. Both processors land at the 46th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy a similar overall performance tier despite the Core i7's consistent edge in direct comparisons.

It is worth remembering the Xeon's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G at 2059 (0.4% behind the Xeon) and the Intel Core i7-8705G at 2058 (0.5% behind). The Core i7-1160G7, meanwhile, sits within 0.5% of the AMD Ryzen 3 5300U and within 0.3% of the Intel Xeon E-2224G. This context places both chips in a crowded mid-pack, where small percentage swings separate neighboring entries.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward conclusion: the Intel Core i7-1160G7 is the faster processor in every measured workload. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, and its average benchmark score of 2124 exceeds the Xeon's 2067. Anyone choosing strictly on raw performance from the database records should select the Core i7-1160G7.

The Xeon E3-1585 v5 is not without its own merits, however. It supports ECC memory, a feature entirely absent from the Core i7-1160G7. It also offers 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, compared to just 4 Gen 4 lanes on the Core i7. For workloads that demand error-correcting memory or extensive PCIe connectivity, the Xeon remains the logical choice despite its slightly lower rendering scores. The Core i7-1160G7, by contrast, targets mobile platforms with a 15 W TDP and integrated Iris Xe graphics, making it the pick for power-constrained systems.

The percentile ranking is identical at 46, which indicates that in the broader database context, these two chips are peers. The Core i7-1160G7 is not dramatically faster; it is consistently faster by a small margin. The verdict depends on whether the user prioritizes the Core i7's superior Cinebench results or the Xeon's unique platform features.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel design eras and manufacturing nodes. The Core i7-1160G7 uses the Tiger Lake architecture on a 10 nm process, with a die size of 144 mm². The Xeon E3-1585 v5 is built on the older Skylake architecture using a 14 nm process, and its die measures 171 mm² with 2,300 million transistors. The newer 10 nm node gives the Core i7 a density advantage, packing its smaller die with Willow Cove cores.

Core and thread counts are identical: both chips feature 4 cores and 8 threads. The cache layouts differ noticeably. The Core i7-1160G7 allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E3-1585 v5 provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The Core i7 therefore carries 50% more L3 cache and significantly more L2 per core, which likely contributes to its consistent benchmark lead.

Clock speeds tell a contrasting story. The Xeon E3-1585 v5 has a much higher base clock of 3.50 GHz, compared to the Core i7-1160G7's 1200 MHz base clock. The Core i7 counters with a higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz versus the Xeon's 3.90 GHz boost. The Xeon's higher base clock reflects its 65 W TDP and server/workstation heritage; the Core i7's low base clock and 15 W TDP highlight its mobile focus. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier on either platform.

Memory support also diverges. The Core i7-1160G7 supports LPDDR4X memory over a dual-channel bus with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, with the same 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon adds ECC memory support, which the Core i7 lacks entirely.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core i7-1160G7 carries Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units. The Xeon E3-1585 v5 integrates Iris Pro Graphics P580. The Core i7 uses Intel BGA 1598 socket, while the Xeon uses Intel BGA 1440. The Core i7 was released in September 2020 with a launch MSRP of $426; the Xeon launched in May 2016 with a launch MSRP of $556. Both are marked end-of-life in the production status records.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core i7-1160G7 scores 1036 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Intel Xeon E3-1585 v5 scores 1008. The Core i7 leads by 2.8%.

Q: Does the Xeon E3-1585 v5 win any head-to-head benchmark against the Core i7-1160G7?

A: No. The recorded data shows 6 wins for the Core i7-1160G7 and 0 wins for the Xeon E3-1585 v5 across all six Cinebench tests.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Core i7-1160G7 supports LPDDR4X memory only. The Xeon E3-1585 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory types.

Q: Is ECC memory support available on either chip?

A: Yes, on the Xeon E3-1585 v5, which includes ECC memory support. The Core i7-1160G7 does not support ECC memory.

Q: How do the two chips compare in cache size?

A: The Core i7-1160G7 has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Xeon E3-1585 v5 has 80 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The Core i7-1160G7 has a TDP of 15 W, while the Xeon E3-1585 v5 has a TDP of 65 W.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i7-1160G7 wins decisively in raw rendering performance. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it beats the Xeon by 2.8%, and in R15 single-core by 3%. The R20 multicore test shows a 2.8% lead, and R20 single-core also shows 2.8%. The R23 tests complete the sweep with 2.8% margins in both multicore and single-core. The average benchmark score of 2124 versus 2067 confirms the Core i7's overall advantage of roughly 2.8%.

The Xeon E3-1585 v5 wins in platform capabilities that the benchmarks do not measure. It is the only one of the two with ECC memory support, which matters for data integrity in server or workstation environments. It also offers 16 CPU PCIe Gen 3 lanes, compared to the Core i7's 4 Gen 4 lanes, making it better suited for systems that need to attach multiple high-bandwidth peripherals directly to the processor. The Xeon's much higher base clock of 3.50 GHz, versus the Core i7's 1200 MHz base clock, also reflects its design for sustained throughput rather than burst performance.

Use-case guidance follows the data. For rendering tasks, content creation, or any workload dominated by Cinebench-style multithreaded and single-threaded compute, the Core i7-1160G7 is the stronger choice in every recorded test. For embedded or workstation deployments requiring ECC memory, broader PCIe connectivity, or a higher sustained base frequency, the Xeon E3-1585 v5 is the appropriate selection despite its slightly lower benchmark scores. The Core i7 also carries a lower 15 W TDP, which suits fanless or battery-powered mobile designs, whereas the Xeon's 65 W TDP indicates a higher power envelope for stationary systems.

Specification Differences

The Core i7-1160G7 uses a 10 nm process node; the Xeon E3-1585 v5 uses 14 nm. The Core i7 has a die size of 144 mm²; the Xeon has 171 mm². The Xeon lists 2,300 million transistors; the Core i7 lists none in the records.

Base clocks differ substantially: the Core i7 runs at 1200 MHz, the Xeon at 3.50 GHz. Boost clocks are closer: 4.40 GHz for the Core i7, 3.90 GHz for the Xeon. TDP differs by a wide margin at 15 W versus 65 W. The Core i7 uses socket Intel BGA 1598; the Xeon uses Intel BGA 1440.

Cache structures vary in every level. The Core i7 has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Xeon has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory support differs: LPDDR4X for the Core i7, DDR3 and DDR4 for the Xeon. ECC memory is present only on the Xeon. PCIe configurations differ: the Core i7 provides Gen 4 with 4 lanes, the Xeon provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Integrated graphics are distinct: Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 96EU on the Core i7, Iris Pro Graphics P580 on the Xeon. Release dates are separated by over four years, with the Core i7 launching in September 2020 and the Xeon in May 2016. The launch MSRP is $426 for the Core i7 and $556 for the Xeon. Both parts are end-of-life in the production status, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. Part numbers are SRK0E for the Core i7 and SR2RB for the Xeon.