Intel Core i7-1180G7 vs Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database shows a consistent, if narrow, victory for the Intel Core i7-1180G7 across every recorded Cinebench test. The margins are remarkably uniform, ranging from a 1% advantage in single-core R20 to a 1.2% lead in three separate multi-core tests. This is not a case of one chip dominating in one workload and losing in another; the i7-1180G7 wins all six head-to-head comparisons, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 records zero wins.

Starting with multi-core performance, the i7-1180G7 scores 672 in Cinebench R15 multi-core against the Xeon's 664, a 1.2% difference. In R20 multi-core, the gap widens slightly in absolute terms: 2802 versus 2770, again a 1.2% delta. The R23 multi-core test tells the same story, with the i7-1180G7 posting 6672 against 6596 for the Xeon. These are close scores, but the direction is unambiguous across every generation of the Cinebench suite.

Single-core results follow the identical pattern. The i7-1180G7 leads in R15 single-core with 94 versus 93, a 1.1% margin. In R20 single-core, the scores are 395 and 391, a 1% difference. The R23 single-core test shows 942 against 931, translating to a 1.2% advantage. The consistency of these deltas suggests a fundamental per-thread efficiency edge for the Tiger Lake part, despite the Xeon's much higher base clock.

What makes these numbers interesting is the context of the two chips' specifications. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 runs at a 3.50 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.80 GHz, while the i7-1180G7 starts at a mere 1300 MHz and relies on a 4.60 GHz boost. The fact that the i7-1180G7 still edges ahead in single-core tests indicates that its maximum turbo frequency, combined with architectural improvements, overcomes the Xeon's higher sustained base frequency. Similarly, in multi-core workloads, the i7-1180G7's 12 MB of shared L3 cache and newer process node help it match or exceed the Xeon, which has only 6 MB of shared L3.

Looking at the average benchmark scores across the database, the i7-1180G7 sits at 1930, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 records 1908. Both processors land at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs tracked. The i7-1180G7's nearest rivals include the AMD Opteron 6348 with an identical 1930 average, the Intel Core i3-10300 at 1934 (0.2% ahead), the Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3 at 1925 (0.3% behind), and the Intel Core i3-10305T at 1922 (0.4% behind). The Xeon E3-1285 v4, meanwhile, is bracketed by the Intel Xeon E5-2620 v3 at 1907, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE and Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 both at 1910, and the Intel Xeon E-2314 at 1911. The delta between the two processors in question is small enough that either could be considered equivalent in aggregate, but the head-to-head data favors the i7-1180G7 in every measured workload.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-1180G7 records an average benchmark score of 1930, while the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 scores 1908. The i7-1180G7 holds a 22-point advantage in the database's aggregate metric.

Q: How do the two chips compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-1180G7 scores 6672 in R23 multi-core, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 scores 6596. The i7-1180G7 leads by 1.2%, which is the same relative margin seen in most other multi-core tests.

Q: Does the Xeon E3-1285 v4 win any benchmark category?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the i7-1180G7 winning all six recorded tests. The Xeon's best result is a 1% deficit in Cinebench R20 single-core, where it trails 395 to 391.

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: The i7-1180G7 supports LPDDR4X memory on a dual-channel bus, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 supports DDR3 memory, also on a dual-channel bus. The i7-1180G7 has a higher memory bandwidth rating at 34.1 GB/s versus 29.9 GB/s for the Xeon.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 supports ECC memory, while the i7-1180G7 does not. This is a notable distinction for workstation or server workloads where error correction is required.

Q: What are the production statuses of these two chips?

A: Both processors are listed as end-of-life in the database. The i7-1180G7 was released on 2021-03-30, and the Xeon E3-1285 v4 was released on 2015-06-01.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and process nodes. The i7-1180G7 is built on Tiger Lake, specifically the Tiger Lake-U codename, using a 10 nm process node. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 is a Broadwell part, codename Broadwell-DT, manufactured on a 14 nm node. This generational gap explains several key differences in their feature sets.

The i7-1180G7 uses the Willow Cove-U core architecture and is designated as part of the Core i7 generation. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, matching the Xeon's core and thread count. The cache hierarchy differs significantly: the i7-1180G7 provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E3-1285 v4, by contrast, has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and only 6 MB of shared L3. The i7-1180G7's L3 cache is double that of the Xeon, which likely contributes to its slight performance edge in multi-threaded tests.

The die sizes reflect the architectural differences. The i7-1180G7 has a die size of 144 mm², while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 is larger at 182 mm². This is notable given the i7-1180G7's smaller process node, which allows for more transistors per area. However, the database does not list transistor counts for either processor.

Memory support also diverges. The i7-1180G7 supports LPDDR4X with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 supports DDR3 with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. The newer memory standard gives the i7-1180G7 a modest bandwidth advantage. The i7-1180G7 does not support ECC memory, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 does, which is typical of the Xeon's server/workstation positioning.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The i7-1180G7 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The i7-1180G7's Gen 4 standard provides higher per-lane bandwidth, but the Xeon's greater lane count allows for more expansion devices. The i7-1180G7 features integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units, while the Xeon has Intel Iris Pro P6300 integrated graphics.

Power consumption is a stark differentiator. The i7-1180G7 has a TDP of 9 watts, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 has a TDP of 95 watts. This more than tenfold difference in thermal design power is perhaps the most significant architectural distinction, positioning the i7-1180G7 for mobile use and the Xeon for server or workstation environments.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear conclusion for performance, but the choice depends heavily on platform requirements. In raw benchmark scores, the Intel Core i7-1180G7 wins every recorded test, with deltas ranging from 1% to 1.2%. Its average benchmark score of 1930 exceeds the Xeon's 1908. The i7-1180G7 also offers a larger L3 cache, newer memory support, a smaller process node, and dramatically lower power consumption at 9 watts versus 95 watts.

However, the Xeon E3-1285 v4 is not without its own strengths. It supports ECC memory, which the i7-1180G7 lacks, and it provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes compared to the i7-1180G7's 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. The Xeon also has a much higher base clock at 3.50 GHz, which may be preferable for workloads that require sustained throughput without relying on turbo boost.

The benchmark results indicate that for users who need ECC memory or extensive PCIe expansion, the Xeon E3-1285 v4 is the only viable option between these two. For users who prioritize energy efficiency, newer memory technology, and slightly better Cinebench scores, the i7-1180G7 is the superior choice. The i7-1180G7's mobile form factor, using the Intel BGA 1598 socket, contrasts with the Xeon's Intel Socket 1150, so the platform decision will often be predetermined by the existing motherboard. The i7-1180G7 was released in 2021, while the Xeon dates to 2015, giving the i7-1180G7 a six-year advantage in architectural maturity.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The most obvious difference is the socket: the i7-1180G7 uses Intel BGA 1598, while the Xeon E3-1285 v4 uses Intel Socket 1150. The market segments also diverge, with the i7-1180G7 classified as Mobile and the Xeon as Server/Workstation.

Clock speeds vary enormously. The i7-1180G7 has a base clock of 1300.00 MHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The i7-1180G7's boost is significantly higher, while the Xeon's base is more than two and a half times higher.

Power figures are equally disparate: the i7-1180G7 is rated at 9 watts TDP, the Xeon at 95 watts. Process nodes differ as well, with the i7-1180G7 on 10 nm and the Xeon on 14 nm. The die sizes are 144 mm² for the i7-1180G7 and 182 mm² for the Xeon.

Cache configurations are distinct. The i7-1180G7 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 6 MB shared L3. Memory support differs, with the i7-1180G7 using LPDDR4X and the Xeon using DDR3. Memory bandwidth is 34.1 GB/s for the i7-1180G7 and 29.9 GB/s for the Xeon. ECC support is absent on the i7-1180G7 and present on the Xeon.

PCIe capabilities differ in both generation and lane count: the i7-1180G7 has Gen 4 with 4 lanes, while the Xeon has Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The integrated graphics also differ, with the i7-1180G7 featuring Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 96EU and the Xeon featuring Intel Iris Pro P6300. The launch MSRP for the i7-1180G7 was $426, and the Xeon E3-1285 v4 launched at $556.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-1180G7 wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. It holds a 1.2% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core (672 versus 664), a 1.1% lead in R15 single-core (94 versus 93), a 1.2% lead in R20 multi-core (2802 versus 2770), a 1% lead in R20 single-core (395 versus 391), a 1.2% lead in R23 multi-core (6672 versus 6596), and a 1.2% lead in R23 single-core (942 versus 931). Its average benchmark score of 1930 is also higher than the Xeon's 1908.

The i7-1180G7 is the clear choice for scenarios where energy efficiency is paramount, given its 9 watt TDP against the Xeon's 95 watts. It also wins on memory bandwidth with 34.1 GB/s versus 29.9 GB/s, and it offers a larger L3 cache at 12 MB versus 6 MB. Its newer 10 nm process node and higher boost clock at 4.60 GHz give it an edge in bursty, single-threaded workloads.

The Xeon E3-1285 v4, despite losing all benchmarks, holds advantages in specific non-performance areas. It supports ECC memory, making it suitable for error-sensitive environments. It offers 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which is four times the lane count of the i7-1180G7's 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, enabling more expansion options. Its base clock of 3.50 GHz means it can sustain high performance without relying on turbo frequency, which could be advantageous for consistent, long-running workloads. The Xeon also uses the widely available Intel Socket 1150, which may be more common in existing server or workstation platforms than the i7-1180G7's BGA 1598 socket.

In practical terms, the i7-1180G7 is better suited for mobile or compact systems where low power and newer features matter. The Xeon E3-1285 v4 is better suited for legacy server or workstation builds where ECC support, PCIe expansion, and a standard socket are more important than the modest benchmark advantages of the i7-1180G7. The benchmark data shows the i7-1180G7 as the faster processor in every test, but the Xeon's feature set addresses a different set of requirements.