Intel Core i7-4910MQ vs Intel Xeon D-1528 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon D-1528 wins every single recorded head-to-head test against the Intel Core i7-4910MQ. Across six Cinebench workloads, the Xeon D-1528 maintains a consistent advantage, with delta percentages hovering between 8.1% and 8.5%. This is not a narrow or workload-specific victory; it is a systematic performance lead across both multi-core and single-core scenarios.

Starting with multi-core performance, the Xeon D-1528 scores 584 in Cinebench R15 multicore versus 536 for the Core i7-4910MQ, an 8.2% advantage. The gap persists in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the Xeon records 2435 against 2236, again an 8.2% lead. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Xeon posts 5799 while the Core i7-4910MQ manages 5326, maintaining the same 8.2% delta. These consistent margins suggest a structural advantage rather than a test-specific anomaly.

Single-core results tell the same story. The Xeon D-1528 scores 82 in Cinebench R15 single-core versus 75 for the Core i7-4910MQ, an 8.5% lead. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the Xeon records 343 against 315, an 8.2% advantage. Cinebench R23 single-core shows the Xeon at 818 versus 752, an 8.1% gap. The near-uniformity of these deltas, ranging only from 8.1% to 8.5%, indicates that the Xeon D-1528's advantage is consistent across rendering workloads of varying intensity and duration.

The average benchmark score in the database further contextualizes these results. The Core i7-4910MQ holds an average score of 1716 across all recorded benchmarks, placing it at the 41st percentile among all CPUs. The Xeon D-1528 averages 1677, which lands at the 40th percentile. This is noteworthy: despite winning every Cinebench head-to-head, the Xeon D-1528 has a slightly lower average benchmark score. The explanation lies in the benchmark mix. The Core i7-4910MQ has additional Geekbench scores recorded, 3368 multi-core and 1116 single-core, which are not present in the Xeon D-1528's benchmark set. Those Geekbench numbers boost the Core i7's average without a comparable Xeon data point.

Examining nearest rivals provides additional context. The Core i7-4910MQ sits within 0.3% of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700U (1715 average), the Intel Core i7-990X (1713), the Intel Core i7-4860HQ (1720), and the AMD Athlon Gold PRO 3150GE (1722). The Xeon D-1528's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-4690K (1682, 0.3% ahead), the Intel Core i7-5850HQ (1688, 0.6% ahead), the Intel Core i7-6700TE (1666, 0.6% behind), and the Intel Core i7-3770K (1688, 0.6% ahead). Both processors compete in the same general performance tier, despite the Xeon's consistent head-to-head wins.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial, spanning process technology, core configuration, cache hierarchy, and platform capabilities. The Core i7-4910MQ uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process node, while the Xeon D-1528 employs the Broadwell architecture on a 14 nm node. This process shrink gives the Xeon a manufacturing advantage, allowing more transistors in a larger die: 3,200 million transistors across 246 mm² versus 1,400 million across 177 mm² for the Core i7.

Core counts differ significantly. The Core i7-4910MQ provides 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1528 offers 6 cores and 12 threads. This 50% increase in core count and thread count directly explains the Xeon's multi-core benchmark wins. The Xeon's base clock is recorded as 1900.00 MHz, which is unusually low compared to the Core i7's 2.90 GHz base clock. However, the Xeon's boost clock reaches 2.50 GHz versus 3.90 GHz for the Core i7. Despite lower clock speeds, the Xeon's additional cores compensate in multi-threaded workloads.

Cache hierarchies differ in structure. Both processors share the same L1 cache size at 64 KB per core and L2 cache at 256 KB per core. The L3 cache, however, is organized differently: the Core i7-4910MQ has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon D-1528 provides 1.5 MB per core, which translates to 9 MB total across six cores. The Xeon's per-core L3 allocation provides more total cache and potentially better isolation between cores.

Memory support marks a major divergence. The Core i7-4910MQ supports only DDR3 memory on a dual-channel bus with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth and does not support ECC memory. The Xeon D-1528 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 on a dual-channel bus, and crucially, it supports ECC memory. The database does not record a memory bandwidth figure for the Xeon, but its DDR4 support and ECC capability position it for server and workstation reliability requirements.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The Core i7-4910MQ provides PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the Xeon D-1528 offers PCIe Gen 3 with 24 lanes. The Xeon's additional lanes support more expansion devices, typical for server platforms. Integrated graphics are present on the Core i7-4910MQ as Intel HD 4600, while the Xeon D-1528 has no integrated graphics recorded. This reflects the Xeon's server focus, where discrete or remote management graphics are expected.

Platform sockets differ entirely: the Core i7-4910MQ uses Intel Socket G3, a mobile socket, while the Xeon D-1528 uses Intel BGA 1667, a server-oriented BGA package. The production status also differs, with the Core i7 marked as end-of-life and the Xeon listed as active. Release dates are about 21 months apart, with the Core i7 released in January 2014 and the Xeon released in October 2015.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i7-4910MQ has 4 cores and 8 threads. This gives the Xeon a 50% advantage in both core and thread counts.

Q: Does the Xeon D-1528 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon D-1528 supports ECC memory. The Core i7-4910MQ does not support ECC memory. Additionally, the Xeon supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the Core i7 supports only DDR3.

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

A: The Xeon D-1528 scores 5799 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 8.2% higher than the Core i7-4910MQ's score of 5326. The Xeon also wins the single-core version of this test, scoring 818 versus 752.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Core i7-4910MQ has an average benchmark score of 1716, while the Xeon D-1528 has an average of 1677. However, the Xeon wins all six recorded head-to-head Cinebench tests. The Core i7's higher average comes from additional Geekbench scores in its record.

Q: What are the process nodes for these processors?

A: The Core i7-4910MQ uses a 22 nm process node with the Haswell architecture. The Xeon D-1528 uses a 14 nm process node with the Broadwell architecture.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The Xeon D-1528 provides 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, while the Core i7-4910MQ provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. The Xeon's additional lanes support more expansion options.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show clear distinctions between the two processors. Core count differs: 4 cores for the Core i7-4910MQ versus 6 cores for the Xeon D-1528. Thread counts follow similarly, 8 versus 12. Base clock speeds are recorded as 2.90 GHz for the Core i7 and 1900.00 MHz for the Xeon. Boost clocks are 3.90 GHz versus 2.50 GHz respectively. Thermal design power differs, with the Core i7 rated at 47 watts and the Xeon at 35 watts.

The socket types are incompatible: Intel Socket G3 for the Core i7 and Intel BGA 1667 for the Xeon. Process nodes differ at 22 nm versus 14 nm. Transistor counts are 1,400 million versus 3,200 million, and die sizes are 177 mm² versus 246 mm². The L3 cache configuration differs: 8 MB shared for the Core i7 versus 1.5 MB per core for the Xeon. Memory support shows DDR3 only versus DDR3 and DDR4. Memory bandwidth is recorded at 25.6 GB/s for the Core i7, with no figure for the Xeon. ECC support is absent on the Core i7 and present on the Xeon. PCIe lanes differ at 16 versus 24. Integrated graphics exist only on the Core i7 as Intel HD 4600. Market segments are Mobile versus Server/Workstation. Production status is End-of-life versus Active. Release dates are January 2014 versus October 2015. Launch MSRP values are $570 for the Core i7 and $320 for the Xeon.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear conclusion: the Intel Xeon D-1528 is the superior performer in every recorded benchmark comparison. Across six Cinebench tests, the Xeon wins with deltas between 8.1% and 8.5%. This consistent margin, present in both single-core and multi-core workloads, indicates that the Xeon's architectural advantages, specifically its 14 nm process, 6 cores, and 12 threads, outweigh the Core i7-4910MQ's higher clock speeds.

The Core i7-4910MQ does retain one statistical edge: its average benchmark score of 1716 exceeds the Xeon's 1677. This difference is driven by Geekbench results recorded for the Core i7 but absent for the Xeon. In the head-to-head Cinebench tests, however, the Xeon is unbeaten. The Core i7's 41st percentile ranking versus the Xeon's 40th percentile confirms that both processors sit near the same overall performance tier, but the Xeon's specific wins are decisive in rendering workloads.

Market positioning reinforces the distinction. The Core i7-4910MQ is a mobile processor, end-of-life, with integrated graphics, no ECC support, and a higher launch MSRP of $570. The Xeon D-1528 is an active server/workstation part with ECC support, no integrated graphics, and a lower launch MSRP of $320. The Xeon's lower TDP of 35 watts versus 47 watts, combined with its superior benchmark performance, makes it the stronger choice on both efficiency and output metrics.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon D-1528 wins in every measured performance category. In multi-core rendering, it leads by 8.2% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. In single-core tests, it leads by 8.1% to 8.5% across the same three versions. This means the Xeon is the better choice for Cinebench-style workloads, which are representative of 3D rendering and content creation tasks that scale with core count and thread count.

The Xeon also wins on platform capability. Its ECC memory support makes it suitable for reliability-critical server applications. Its 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes provide more expansion bandwidth than the Core i7's 16 lanes. Its support for DDR4 memory, alongside DDR3, offers future memory compatibility. Its active production status ensures ongoing availability for server deployments.

The Core i7-4910MQ's advantages are narrower but still relevant. It has a higher boost clock at 3.90 GHz versus 2.50 GHz, which contributes to its competitive single-core scores despite ultimately losing those tests. It includes integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics, which the Xeon lacks entirely. This makes the Core i7 suitable for mobile systems that require a display output without a discrete GPU. Its 47 watt TDP is higher than the Xeon's 35 watt rating, but for a mobile part, the integrated graphics capability is a functional asset.

For users choosing between these two, the decision hinges on workload and platform. The Xeon D-1528 is the clear pick for server or workstation builds where ECC memory, DDR4 support, additional PCIe lanes, and multi-core rendering performance are priorities. The Core i7-4910MQ retains relevance only in mobile contexts where integrated graphics are required and where the end-of-life status is acceptable. The benchmark record shows no workload category where the Core i7 outperforms the Xeon.