Intel Core i7-5500U vs Intel Xeon X5570 Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data presents a clear picture: the Intel Xeon X5570 wins every head-to-head benchmark in the database against the Intel Core i7-5500U, taking all five measured tests. The Xeon leads by margins between 17.7% and 18% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 workloads, both multi-core and single-core. Despite the Core i7-5500U being built on a far more modern 14 nm process with a newer architecture, its lower core count and clock speeds place it behind in every measured scenario.

The Xeon X5570 is the pick for anyone prioritizing raw compute throughput in multi-threaded tasks, as it holds an 18% advantage in Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core tests. The Core i7-5500U, meanwhile, is the choice for mobile or power-constrained environments, as its 15 W TDP contrasts sharply with the Xeon's 95 W envelope. The data shows the Xeon is 17.9% ahead in Cinebench R15 multi-core and 18% ahead in R20 and R23 multi-core, making it the stronger performer across the board. However, the Core i7-5500U includes integrated graphics and a smaller die, which may suit compact systems where discrete graphics are unnecessary.

For single-threaded workloads, the Xeon again leads, scoring 396 versus 336 in Cinebench R23 single-core, a 17.9% gap. The Core i7-5500U's boost clock of 3.00 GHz cannot compensate for the Xeon's 3.33 GHz boost, despite the newer architecture. The verdict is straightforward: the Xeon X5570 is the superior computing part in every benchmark recorded, while the Core i7-5500U offers efficiency and integrated graphics that the Xeon lacks.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial. The Xeon X5570 uses the Nehalem architecture, codenamed Gainestown, built on a 45 nm process at Intel's foundry. It packs 731 million transistors into a 263 mm² die. The Core i7-5500U uses Broadwell, codenamed Broadwell-U, on a 14 nm process, with 1,300 million transistors on a much smaller 82 mm² die. The transistor count is nearly double for the Core i7, yet the die is less than one-third the size, reflecting the process node advancement.

Core configurations differ fundamentally. The Xeon offers 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Core i7-5500U provides 2 cores and 4 threads. Cache hierarchies reflect this: both share 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but the Xeon has 8 MB of shared L3 cache versus 4 MB on the Core i7. Memory support is DDR3 for both, but the Xeon uses triple-channel memory with 32.0 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core i7 uses dual-channel with 25.6 GB/s.

The socket types are incompatible: the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1366, while the Core i7-5500U uses Intel BGA 1168, meaning the latter is soldered and not upgradeable. The Xeon supports ECC memory, a server requirement, while the Core i7 does not. PCIe is Gen 2 for both, but the Core i7-5500U only exposes 12 lanes from the CPU. The Core i7-5500U includes integrated Intel HD 5500 graphics, while the Xeon has none. Market segments differ: the Xeon targets server/workstation, the Core i7-5500U targets mobile. Release dates are six years apart: the Xeon launched March 2009, the Core i7-5500U in February 2015.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon X5570 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i7-5500U has 2 cores and 4 threads. The Xeon's thread count is double that of the Core i7-5500U.

Q: How do their power requirements compare?

A: The Xeon X5570 has a TDP of 95 W, while the Core i7-5500U has a TDP of 15 W. The Core i7-5500U consumes significantly less power, making it more suited for battery-operated devices.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon X5570 supports ECC memory, while the Core i7-5500U does not. This makes the Xeon more appropriate for error-sensitive server workloads.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Core i7-5500U has integrated graphics, specifically Intel HD 5500. The Xeon X5570 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Xeon X5570 provides 32.0 GB/s memory bandwidth via triple-channel DDR3, while the Core i7-5500U provides 25.6 GB/s via dual-channel DDR3. The Xeon offers 25% more bandwidth.

Q: Which CPU wins in single-core performance?

A: The Xeon X5570 wins. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 166 versus 141 for the Core i7-5500U, a 17.7% advantage. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 396 versus 336, a 17.9% lead.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon X5570 | Intel Core i7-5500U |

|----------------|------------------|---------------------|

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 2.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1366 | Intel BGA 1168 |

| Architecture | Nehalem | Broadwell |

| Process Node | 45 nm | 14 nm |

| Transistors | 731 million | 1,300 million |

| Die Size | 263 mm² | 82 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Triple-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 32.0 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 2 | Gen 2, 12 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD 5500 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2009-03-29 | 2015-02-28 |

| Part Number | SLBF3 | SR23W |

The specification table shows the Xeon is a more powerful, feature-rich server part with higher clocks, more cores, larger cache, and ECC support. The Core i7-5500U counters with a smaller process node, integrated graphics, and dramatically lower power consumption.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are one-sided. Across all five recorded Cinebench tests, the Xeon X5570 wins every time, with no wins for the Core i7-5500U. The deltas are remarkably consistent, hovering around 18% for multi-core and 17.7% to 17.9% for single-core.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 283 against 240 for the Core i7, a 17.9% advantage. Moving to Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Xeon scores 1180 versus 1000, an 18% gap. Cinebench R23 multi-core repeats the pattern: 2810 versus 2381, again 18% ahead. The single-core results show similar margins: Cinebench R20 single-core has the Xeon at 166 and the Core i7 at 141, a 17.7% lead, while Cinebench R23 single-core has 396 versus 336, a 17.9% difference.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Whether the workload is single-threaded or multi-threaded, the Xeon maintains roughly the same percentage advantage. This suggests the Xeon's higher clock speeds (2.93 GHz base, 3.33 GHz boost versus 2.40 GHz and 3.00 GHz) and additional cores drive the performance gap, rather than any architectural efficiency of the newer Broadwell design. The Core i7-5500U's 14 nm process and higher transistor count do not translate into benchmark wins.

The average benchmark scores in the database reflect this overall picture. The Xeon X5570 has an average benchmark score of 967, while the Core i7-5500U sits at 953. The Xeon's percentile versus all CPUs is 26, slightly above the Core i7's 25. The nearest rivals for the Xeon include the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U at 968 (0.1% higher), the Intel Celeron N5100 at 966 (0.1% lower), and the Intel Core i5-2400S at 968 (0.1% higher). For the Core i7-5500U, the nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon W3570 at 955 (0.2% higher), the Intel Celeron N5105 at 955 (0.2% higher), and the AMD A10-9700E at 951 (0.3% lower).

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon X5570 wins in all measured compute performance categories. Its 4 cores and 8 threads give it a structural advantage in multi-threaded workloads, as evidenced by the 18% lead in Cinebench R20 and R23 multi-core tests. The higher base and boost clocks (2.93 GHz and 3.33 GHz) also secure single-core wins, with 17.7% and 17.9% leads in R20 and R23 single-core respectively. The triple-channel memory with 32.0 GB/s bandwidth supports bandwidth-intensive server tasks, and ECC memory support makes it suitable for data integrity-critical applications. The Xeon is the clear choice for server or workstation use, where power consumption is less of a concern and raw throughput is paramount.

The Core i7-5500U wins in efficiency and integration. Its 15 W TDP is a fraction of the Xeon's 95 W, making it viable for thin laptops and compact devices without active cooling. The integrated Intel HD 5500 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic display tasks. The 14 nm process and 82 mm² die size mean it takes up far less physical space, and the BGA 1168 socket allows for direct motherboard mounting. The Core i7-5500U also offers a lower launch MSRP of $393, though the database does not comment on value beyond stating that figure.

For users with multi-threaded rendering or server workloads, the Xeon's 18% multi-core advantage and double thread count make it the obvious choice. For users in mobile or ultra-compact systems where power draw is critical, the Core i7-5500U's 15 W TDP and integrated graphics provide capabilities the Xeon cannot match. The data shows no benchmark where the Core i7-5500U outperforms the Xeon, but the use cases diverge based on platform requirements rather than raw speed.