Intel Core i7-4870HQ vs Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 and the Intel Core i7-4870HQ are both four-core, eight-thread mobile processors aimed at high-performance laptops, but they come from different architectural generations and target different use cases. The Xeon E3-1505M v5 is a Skylake-generation part built for server and workstation duty, while the Core i7-4870HQ is a Haswell-generation chip designed for premium consumer mobile systems. Benchmark results from the database show a clear and consistent performance gap, with the Xeon winning all six recorded head-to-head tests by a margin of roughly 17% across the board. The Core i7 does have one additional recorded benchmark, Geekbench, but the Xeon has no comparable Geekbench entry in the dataset, so direct comparison there is not possible. This analysis breaks down where each processor wins, how their architectures differ, and what the recorded numbers mean for real-world selection.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 wins every benchmark it shares with the Core i7-4870HQ. The database records six head-to-head tests, all in the Cinebench suite, and the Xeon takes all six. The wins range from 17.1% to 17.4% in delta percentage, which is a substantial and consistent edge. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon scores 633 versus the Core i7's 540, a 17.2% advantage. In R15 singlecore, the Xeon scores 89 versus 76, a 17.1% lead. The pattern holds for R20 and R23, with the Xeon scoring 2639 versus 2253 in R20 multicore (17.1%), 372 versus 317 in R20 singlecore (17.4%), 6284 versus 5366 in R23 multicore (17.1%), and 887 versus 757 in R23 singlecore (17.2%). The Xeon's wins are not isolated to one workload type; they appear in both multicore and singlecore tests, indicating a general per-clock and per-thread advantage rather than a niche strength.

The Core i7-4870HQ does not win any shared benchmark. Its only exclusive recorded test is Geekbench, where it scores 3701 in multicore and 1143 in singlecore, but since the Xeon has no Geekbench result in the database, there is no basis for a head-to-head claim there. The Core i7's overall average benchmark score is 1769, which places it at the 41st percentile among all CPUs. The Xeon's average score is 1817, placing it at the 42nd percentile. That percentile difference is small, but the average score gap of 48 points is meaningful given the identical core and thread counts.

For a user prioritizing sustained rendering, compile, or virtualization workloads, the Xeon E3-1505M v5 is the clear pick based on the data. For a user who only has access to the Core i7-4870HQ and needs a capable four-core Haswell part, it remains a functional choice, but the recorded benchmarks show it trails the Xeon by a consistent margin in every shared test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are separated by one full generation of Intel architecture. The Xeon E3-1505M v5 uses the Skylake architecture, specifically the Skylake-H codename, and is built on a 14 nm process node. The Core i7-4870HQ uses the Haswell architecture, codenamed Crystalwell, and is built on a 22 nm process node. That process shrink is a major factor in the Xeon's performance lead, as it allows higher clock speeds at similar power levels and improved instruction efficiency.

The Xeon has 2,300 million transistors on a die size of 122 mm². The Core i7 has 1,400 million transistors on a die size of 264 mm². The smaller die and newer process give the Xeon a significant density advantage, which typically translates to lower latency and better power efficiency per operation. The Xeon's base clock is 2.80 GHz and its boost clock is 3.70 GHz. The Core i7's base clock is 2.50 GHz with the same 3.70 GHz boost. The Xeon therefore has a 0.30 GHz higher base clock, which helps in sustained workloads where boost cannot be maintained indefinitely.

Cache configurations differ as well. Both share 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the Xeon has 8 MB of shared L3 cache versus the Core i7's 6 MB. That extra 2 MB of L3 can reduce memory traffic for larger working sets, which is particularly relevant in server-style workloads like database queries or multi-threaded encoding.

Memory support is another key split. The Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Core i7 supports only DDR3, also dual-channel, with a recorded bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon's higher bandwidth limit gives it more headroom for memory-bound tasks. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, while the Core i7 does not, which aligns with the Xeon's workstation and server market segment.

The integrated graphics also differ. The Xeon uses HD Graphics P530, while the Core i7 uses Intel HD 5200. Both are integrated solutions, but the Xeon's P530 is a workstation-oriented iGPU, while the HD 5200 is a higher-end consumer Iris Pro part from the Haswell era. The database does not include iGPU benchmarks, so no performance comparison is possible from the recorded data.

The sockets differ as well: the Xeon uses Intel BGA 1440, the Core i7 uses Intel BGA 1364. Both are soldered mobile sockets, so neither is upgradeable in a practical sense. The Xeon has a 45 W TDP, while the Core i7 has a 47 W TDP, a small difference that makes the Xeon slightly more power-efficient per unit of performance.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head tests are all Cinebench iterations, and the Xeon E3-1505M v5 wins each by a narrow but consistent margin. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon scores 633 against the Core i7's 540, a 17.2% delta. This is the largest absolute gap in the set, with 93 points separating them. In R15 singlecore, the Xeon scores 89 versus 76, a 17.1% delta. The singlecore scores are low in absolute terms because Cinebench R15 uses a different scale, but the relative difference is nearly identical to the multicore gap.

In Cinebench R20 multicore, the Xeon scores 2639 versus 2253, a 17.1% delta. The R20 singlecore test shows the Xeon at 372 versus 317, a 17.4% delta, which is the largest percentage lead in the entire set. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Xeon scores 6284 versus 5366, a 17.1% delta. The R23 singlecore test has the Xeon at 887 versus 757, a 17.2% delta.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Every test, whether multicore or singlecore, lands between 17.1% and 17.4%. This suggests a uniform architectural advantage rather than a workload-specific quirk. The Xeon's higher base clock (2.80 GHz versus 2.50 GHz) and newer 14 nm Skylake design likely explain the singlecore lead, while the larger L3 cache and higher memory bandwidth likely contribute to the multicore lead.

The Core i7-4870HQ does have Geekbench results in the database, scoring 3701 multicore and 1143 singlecore, but the Xeon has no Geekbench entry, so no direct comparison is possible. The Core i7's average benchmark score of 1769 sits just below the Xeon's 1817, and its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 2400GE (1766, 0.2% delta) and the Intel Xeon E5-2637 v3 (1773, -0.2% delta). The Xeon's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-6600K (1816, 0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U (1810, 0.4% delta). These rival clusters show that both processors sit in a similar performance class overall, but the Xeon edges out the Core i7 by a small but repeatable margin.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 wins all three recorded single-core Cinebench tests. It scores 89 versus 76 in R15 (17.1% lead), 372 versus 317 in R20 (17.4% lead), and 887 versus 757 in R23 (17.2% lead).

Q: Does the Core i7-4870HQ have any benchmark where it beats the Xeon?

A: No. The database records six shared head-to-head tests, all Cinebench iterations, and the Xeon wins all six. The Core i7 has additional Geekbench scores (3701 multicore, 1143 singlecore), but the Xeon has no Geekbench result, so no comparison is possible for that test.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The Xeon E3-1505M v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 with a recorded bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The Core i7-4870HQ supports only DDR3 with a recorded bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon has a 33% higher bandwidth figure.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E3-1505M v5 has ECC memory support enabled, while the Core i7-4870HQ does not. This makes the Xeon more suitable for workstation or server scenarios where error-correcting memory is required.

Q: What are the TDP ratings?

A: The Xeon E3-1505M v5 has a TDP of 45 W, while the Core i7-4870HQ has a TDP of 47 W. The Xeon draws slightly less power while delivering higher benchmark scores.

Q: How do the two processors compare in overall average benchmark score?

A: The Xeon E3-1505M v5 has an average score of 1817, placing it at the 42nd percentile of all CPUs. The Core i7-4870HQ has an average score of 1769, placing it at the 41st percentile. The Xeon leads by 48 points.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors, based on the recorded data:

• Base clock: Xeon E3-1505M v5 is 2.80 GHz, Core i7-4870HQ is 2.50 GHz.
• Boost clock: Both are 3.70 GHz (no difference).
• TDP: Xeon is 45 W, Core i7 is 47 W.
• Socket: Xeon uses Intel BGA 1440, Core i7 uses Intel BGA 1364.
• Architecture: Xeon is Skylake, Core i7 is Haswell.
• Codename: Xeon is Skylake-H, Core i7 is Crystalwell.
• Process node: Xeon is 14 nm, Core i7 is 22 nm.
• Transistors: Xeon has 2,300 million, Core i7 has 1,400 million.
• Die size: Xeon is 122 mm², Core i7 is 264 mm².
• L3 cache: Xeon has 8 MB shared, Core i7 has 6 MB shared.
• Memory support: Xeon supports DDR3 and DDR4, Core i7 supports DDR3 only.
• Memory bandwidth: Xeon is 34.1 GB/s, Core i7 is 25.6 GB/s.
• ECC memory: Xeon supports ECC, Core i7 does not.
• Integrated graphics: Xeon has HD Graphics P530, Core i7 has Intel HD 5200.
• Market segment: Xeon is Server/Workstation, Core i7 is Mobile.
• Release date: Xeon is 2015-10-26, Core i7 is 2014-06-30.
• Launch MSRP: Xeon is $434, Core i7 has no recorded launch MSRP.
• Part number: Xeon is SR2FM, Core i7 is SR1ZX.
• Cinebench R15 multicore: Xeon 633, Core i7 540.
• Cinebench R15 singlecore: Xeon 89, Core i7 76.
• Cinebench R20 multicore: Xeon 2639, Core i7 2253.
• Cinebench R20 singlecore: Xeon 372, Core i7 317.
• Cinebench R23 multicore: Xeon 6284, Core i7 5366.
• Cinebench R23 singlecore: Xeon 887, Core i7 757.
• Average benchmark score: Xeon 1817, Core i7 1769.
• Percentile vs all CPUs: Xeon 42, Core i7 41.

Fields that are the same: cores (4), threads (8), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory bus (dual-channel), PCIe (Gen 3, 16 lanes CPU only), multiplier unlocked (false for both), production status (end-of-life for both), manufacturer (Intel).

The Verdict

The data points to a single conclusion: the Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 is the faster processor in every shared benchmark. It wins all six Cinebench tests with deltas between 17.1% and 17.4%, and it does so while consuming 2 W less power (45 W versus 47 W) and offering a higher memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s). The Xeon also brings ECC memory support and a newer 14 nm Skylake architecture, which explains its consistent lead across both singlecore and multicore workloads.

The Core i7-4870HQ is not an incompetent part. Its average benchmark score of 1769 sits close to the Xeon's 1817, and its percentile rank of 41 versus 42 shows they occupy a similar performance tier. However, the Core i7 is a Haswell-generation chip from 2014, while the Xeon is a Skylake part from 2015. The two-generation process gap (22 nm versus 14 nm) and the 0.30 GHz base clock disadvantage put the Core i7 at a structural deficit.

For a buyer choosing between these two specific processors, the choice depends on the platform. If a laptop or mobile workstation supports the Xeon E3-1505M v5's BGA 1440 socket and requires ECC memory or DDR4 support, the Xeon is the obvious pick. If the system only supports the Core i7-4870HQ's BGA 1364 socket, the Core i7 is still a capable four-core part for general productivity and moderate multi-threaded work, but it will lag the Xeon by roughly 17% in Cinebench-style rendering loads.

The Xeon's launch MSRP was $434, though no price data exists for the Core i7. The Xeon's market segment is listed as Server/Workstation, which aligns with its ECC support and higher memory bandwidth. The Core i7 is listed as Mobile, which suggests it was aimed at high-end consumer laptops rather than professional workstations. For applications that benefit from error-correcting memory, higher memory throughput, or sustained multicore performance, the Xeon E3-1505M v5 is the stronger choice. For a consumer laptop where the Core i7-4870HQ is the only option, it remains a viable but older alternative. The recorded benchmarks do not show a single scenario where the Core i7 wins, so performance-conscious users should prioritize the Xeon if both are available on comparable platforms.