Intel Core i7-4710HQ vs Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 Comparison

The Intel Core i7-4710HQ and Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 are both quad-core Intel processors, but they target different segments and deliver measurably different results. Benchmark data shows the Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins all six head-to-head tests, with margins ranging from 7.3% to 8.3% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 in both single-core and multi-core workloads. The Xeon also carries a higher average benchmark score of 1465 compared to the i7-4710HQ’s 1473, though the i7 actually holds a slight 0.6% edge over the Xeon in the aggregate nearest-rival comparison. Both processors sit at the 38th percentile among all CPUs. The Xeon E3-1225 v5 is the clear performance winner, but the i7-4710HQ is a mobile part with lower power draw, which changes how each should be evaluated.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 as the stronger processor for raw compute. It wins every benchmark in the head-to-head set, and its single-core advantage is consistent: 72 versus 66 in Cinebench R15 single-core, 300 versus 278 in R20 single-core, and 715 versus 662 in R23 single-core. Multi-core results follow the same pattern, with the Xeon leading by 7.4% to 7.5% in all three Cinebench multi-core tests. For anyone running threaded workloads or single-threaded tasks, the Xeon is the better choice based on these numbers.

The Intel Core i7-4710HQ is not without merit, but its wins are not in performance. It is a mobile processor with a 47 W TDP, while the Xeon is a server/workstation part rated at 80 W. The i7 also supports 8 threads versus the Xeon’s 4 threads, yet it still loses multi-core tests, which indicates the Xeon’s architectural and clock advantages outweigh the i7’s hyper-threading. The i7 is the appropriate pick for a laptop or compact system where the 47 W TDP and mobile socket are required, but the data shows it is slower in every measured workload.

For users who need ECC memory support, the Xeon is the only option here, as it supports ECC while the i7 does not. The Xeon also has a launch MSRP of $224. The i7 has no listed launch price. If raw compute is the priority, the Xeon E3-1225 v5 is the pick. If low power consumption and a mobile form factor matter more, the i7-4710HQ is the only one that fits, but expect lower scores across the board.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel architectures and process nodes. The i7-4710HQ is built on the Haswell architecture, specifically the Crystalwell codename, using a 22 nm process. The Xeon E3-1225 v5 uses Skylake, codenamed Skylake-DT, on a 14 nm node. This process shrink is significant, as it allows the Xeon to pack more transistors in a smaller die: the Xeon has 1,750 million transistors on a 122 mm² die, while the i7 has 1,400 million on a 264 mm² die. The Xeon’s smaller die and newer node contribute to its higher clock speeds and better performance per watt in the benchmark results.

Cache configurations also differ. The i7-4710HQ has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Xeon E3-1225 v5 has the same L1 and L2 sizes per core, but its shared L3 is 8 MB. That extra 2 MB of L3 cache likely helps the Xeon in the multi-core tests, where it maintains a consistent 7.4% to 7.5% lead despite having half the threads (4 versus 8).

Memory support is another differentiator. The i7-4710HQ supports only DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, but with a higher bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which the i7 does not. The i7 uses an older socket, Intel BGA 1364, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151. Both have PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The i7 integrates Intel HD 4600 graphics, while the Xeon integrates HD Graphics P530.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins in every benchmark category measured. Its single-core scores are uniformly higher: 72 versus 66 in Cinebench R15, 300 versus 278 in R20, and 715 versus 662 in R23. That represents a 8.3% lead in R15 single-core and a 7.3% lead in R20 single-core. Multi-core results are equally one-sided, with the Xeon leading by 7.5% in R15 (510 versus 472), 7.4% in R20 (2127 versus 1970), and 7.4% in R23 (5065 versus 4692). The Xeon also has a higher base clock (3.30 GHz versus 2.50 GHz) and boost clock (3.70 GHz versus 3.50 GHz), which helps explain its superiority.

The i7-4710HQ’s only quantitative wins are in its lower TDP and thread count. It draws 47 W versus the Xeon’s 80 W, which is a substantial difference for mobile use. It also has 8 threads versus the Xeon’s 4, but that does not translate into a benchmark win. The i7’s average benchmark score of 1473 is actually higher than the Xeon’s 1465, but this is due to the i7 having additional Geekbench scores (multicore 2694 and singlecore 947) that the Xeon does not have in its benchmark set. In the direct head-to-head tests, the i7 loses all six.

For use cases, the Xeon suits server or workstation workloads where ECC memory is critical and where the higher TDP is acceptable. The i7 suits mobile or low-power builds where the 47 W TDP and integrated HD 4600 graphics are more appropriate, but users must accept lower performance in every Cinebench test.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 scores 715 in Cinebench R23 single-core, compared to the Intel Core i7-4710HQ’s 662, a 7.4% difference.

Q: Does the i7-4710HQ support ECC memory?

A: No, the i7-4710HQ does not support ECC memory. The Xeon E3-1225 v5 does support ECC memory, which is listed in its specifications.

Q: How do the multi-core scores compare in Cinebench R20?

A: The Xeon E3-1225 v5 scores 2127 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, while the i7-4710HQ scores 1970. The Xeon leads by 7.4%.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for these two processors?

A: The i7-4710HQ has a TDP of 47 W, and the Xeon E3-1225 v5 has a TDP of 80 W.

Q: Which processor has a higher thread count?

A: The i7-4710HQ has 8 threads, while the Xeon E3-1225 v5 has 4 threads. Despite this, the Xeon wins all multi-core benchmarks.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each?

A: The i7-4710HQ has an average benchmark score of 1473, and the Xeon E3-1225 v5 has an average benchmark score of 1465.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins every head-to-head test, with the smallest margin being 7.3% and the largest being 8.3%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 510 against the i7’s 472, a 7.5% difference. Single-core R15 shows the Xeon at 72 versus 66, an 8.3% lead. Moving to Cinebench R20, the Xeon leads multi-core by 7.4% (2127 versus 1970) and single-core by 7.3% (300 versus 278). Cinebench R23 results show the Xeon ahead by 7.4% in multi-core (5065 versus 4692) and by 7.4% in single-core (715 versus 662). These are consistent margins, suggesting the Xeon’s architectural advantages are uniform across workload types.

The i7-4710HQ’s nearest rival comparison lists the Xeon E3-1225 v5 as a close competitor, with a deltaPct of 0.6% in the i7’s favor when comparing their average scores. Conversely, the Xeon’s nearest rival list shows the i7 with a deltaPct of -0.5% against the Xeon. This means that while the i7 has a slightly higher average score across all its benchmarks (including Geekbench tests the Xeon lacks), the Xeon wins every test where both are measured directly. The Xeon also outperforms the i7 in the nearest-rival context, as the i7’s average score is 1473 versus the Xeon’s 1465, but the head-to-head data is unambiguous.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between the two processors are clear. The i7-4710HQ uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm node, while the Xeon E3-1225 v5 uses Skylake on a 14 nm node. The Xeon has a larger L3 cache at 8 MB shared, versus the i7’s 6 MB shared. The i7 has 8 threads, while the Xeon has 4 threads, but the Xeon has higher base and boost clocks: 3.30 GHz and 3.70 GHz versus the i7’s 2.50 GHz and 3.50 GHz. TDP differs significantly, with the i7 at 47 W and the Xeon at 80 W. The i7 supports only DDR3 memory with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4 with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported only on the Xeon. The i7 uses a BGA 1364 socket, while the Xeon uses Socket 1151. Integrated graphics are also different: Intel HD 4600 on the i7 versus HD Graphics P530 on the Xeon. Both are end-of-life products, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $224; the i7 has no listed launch MSRP.