Intel Core i7-5775R vs Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 Comparison

The Intel Core i7-5775R and the Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 are both 4-core, 8-thread processors from the same 14 nm generation, yet they target completely different platforms. The data shows a decisive overall winner: the Xeon E3-1280 v5 takes all six head-to-head benchmark victories, with a consistent advantage of roughly 9% across every Cinebench test. However, the i7-5775R holds its own in the aggregate, with an average benchmark score of 2031 versus the Xeon’s 2029, a difference of only 0.1%. This suggests that while the Xeon is faster in the tested workloads, the i7-5775R’s advantages elsewhere—such as its integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 and lower 65 W TDP—make it a compelling choice for specific use cases, particularly where discrete graphics are unnecessary.

The Verdict

From the benchmark data alone, the Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 is the clear performance pick. It wins every single head-to-head test, from Cinebench R15 to R23, with deltas ranging from -9.1% to -9.4% in favor of the Xeon. For users who prioritize raw multi-threaded or single-threaded compute in applications like rendering or simulation, the Xeon E3-1280 v5 is the data-backed choice. Its higher base clock of 3.70 GHz and boost clock of 4.00 GHz, compared to the i7-5775R’s 3.30 GHz and 3.80 GHz, align with these results.

Yet the i7-5775R is not without merit. Its average benchmark score of 2031 is actually higher than the Xeon’s 2029, meaning that outside the Cinebench suite, the i7 may perform competitively in other unseen tests. The i7 also includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics, and the i7’s 65 W TDP is significantly lower than the Xeon’s 80 W. For a compact system or a workstation that relies on the CPU’s integrated GPU for basic display output, the i7-5775R is the pragmatic choice. Conversely, for a server or workstation where ECC memory support (present on the Xeon) and maximum compute throughput are critical, the Xeon E3-1280 v5 is the obvious winner.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs are built on different microarchitectures despite sharing the same 14 nm process node. The i7-5775R is based on Broadwell, Intel’s fifth-generation Core architecture, while the Xeon E3-1280 v5 is based on Skylake, the sixth-generation design. This architectural gap explains several key differences. The Xeon uses a newer core design, which contributes to its higher clock speeds (3.70 GHz base, 4.00 GHz boost) and improved instructions-per-clock efficiency. The i7-5775R, meanwhile, is capped at 3.80 GHz boost, but compensates with a larger die size of 182 mm² versus the Xeon’s 122 mm², likely due to the substantial integrated graphics engine.

Cache configurations also differ. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the Xeon offers 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-5775R has only 6 MB. This 2 MB difference could contribute to the Xeon’s advantage in cache-sensitive workloads. Memory support is another major divergence: the i7-5775R uses dual-channel DDR3 with a stated bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, while the Xeon supports dual-channel DDR4 (bandwidth not listed). The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which is a critical feature for error-correcting workloads in server environments. The i7-5775R does not support ECC, and its socket is Intel BGA 1364 (soldered), whereas the Xeon uses the more common Intel Socket 1151.

The Xeon’s transistor count is listed at 1,750 million, while the i7-5775R’s is not provided, but the larger die size suggests a different transistor layout. The i7’s integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 is a unique feature absent from the Xeon, which has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the i7-5775R a self-contained solution for display output, while the Xeon requires a discrete GPU.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E3-1280 v5 dominates every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon scores 707 against the i7-5775R’s 641, a delta of -9.3%. Single-core R15 shows a similar story: 99 versus 90, a -9.1% gap. The pattern holds in Cinebench R20, where the Xeon leads multicore 2946 to 2671 (-9.3%) and single-core 415 to 376 (-9.4%). In Cinebench R23, the Xeon again wins multicore 7015 to 6360 (-9.3%) and single-core 990 to 897 (-9.4%).

These consistent deltas—hovering around -9.3% to -9.4%—suggest a uniform performance advantage rather than workload-specific strengths. The Xeon’s higher clock speeds (3.70 GHz base, 4.00 GHz boost) and larger 8 MB L3 cache likely drive this edge across both multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks. Interestingly, the i7-5775R’s Geekbench scores are not part of the head-to-head set, but its standalone Geekbench multicore score of 3996 and single-core of 1218 indicate that the i7 is not far behind in other synthetic workloads. However, within the Cinebench suite, the Xeon’s superiority is unambiguous and consistent.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-5775R has an average benchmark score of 2031, while the Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 scores 2029, giving the i7 a 0.1% edge in aggregate—despite losing all head-to-head Cinebench tests.

Q: Does the Xeon E3-1280 v5 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon E3-1280 v5 supports ECC memory, while the Core i7-5775R does not. This makes the Xeon suitable for error-correcting server or workstation workloads.

Q: What integrated graphics does the i7-5775R include?

A: The i7-5775R includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200. The Xeon E3-1280 v5 has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU for display output.

Q: How do their clock speeds compare?

A: The Xeon E3-1280 v5 has a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. The i7-5775R has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz.

Q: Which CPU has more L3 cache?

A: The Xeon E3-1280 v5 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-5775R has 6 MB. Both have 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core.

Q: What is the market segment for each CPU?

A: The i7-5775R is a Desktop processor, while the Xeon E3-1280 v5 is a Server/Workstation processor. Both are end-of-life products.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E3-1280 v5 wins in every benchmark category measured, making it the superior choice for compute-bound workloads. Its 8 MB L3 cache and higher clock speeds (3.70 GHz base, 4.00 GHz boost) provide a consistent ~9.3% advantage in Cinebench tests, which are representative of rendering and 3D modeling tasks. The Xeon’s ECC memory support also makes it the right pick for data integrity-sensitive applications, such as financial modeling or scientific computing, where a memory error could corrupt results. Its Socket 1151 compatibility is more common than the i7’s BGA 1364, potentially easing system integration.

The i7-5775R, despite losing the benchmark head-to-head, wins in other dimensions. Its integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU, which is a significant advantage in small-form-factor or low-power builds where space and cooling are at a premium. Its 65 W TDP is 15 W lower than the Xeon’s 80 W, which can translate to lower system-level power consumption and simpler cooling solutions. The i7 also has a slightly higher average benchmark score (2031 vs. 2029), suggesting that in non-Cinebench workloads, it may actually be the faster chip. For users who prioritize integrated graphics, lower power draw, or a smaller physical footprint, the i7-5775R is the better choice despite its lower raw compute performance.

Specification Differences

The table below highlights only the fields where the two processors differ, based on the provided data.

| Specification | Intel Core i7-5775R | Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 |

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

| Base Clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1364 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Broadwell | Skylake |

| Codename | Broadwell | Skylake-DT |

| Generation | Core i7 (Broadwell) | Xeon E3 (Skylake-DT) |

| Die Size | 182 mm² | 122 mm² |

| Transistors | Not listed | 1,750 million |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 29.9 GB/s | Not listed |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Pro Graphics 6200 | None |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Release Date | 2015-05-14 | 2015-10-18 |

| Launch MSRP | $384 | $612 |

| Part Number | SR2AL | SR2LC |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 2031 | 2029 |

| Percentile vs. All CPUs | 45% | 45% |

| Head-to-Head Wins | 0 | 6 |