Intel Core i7-8560U vs Intel Xeon D-1528 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 records an average benchmark score of 1677, while the Intel Core i7-8560U scores 1631. The Xeon D-1528 also sits slightly higher in the overall percentile ranking at 40 versus 39 for the Core i7.

Q: How large is the performance gap in multi-core workloads?

A: The Xeon D-1528 leads by a narrow margin across all Cinebench multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon scores 5799 compared to 5641 for the Core i7, a delta of 2.7 percent. The R20 multi-core test shows a similar 2.7 percent gap (2435 vs 2369).

Q: Does the Core i7-8560U have a single-core advantage?

A: No. The recorded data shows the Xeon D-1528 wins every single-core test as well. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Xeon scores 818 versus 796 for the Core i7. The R15 single-core test shows 82 vs 80, and R20 single-core shows 343 vs 334.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Core i7-8560U has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Xeon D-1528 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Xeon also has a higher base clock at 1900 MHz versus 1800 MHz for the Core i7.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Xeon D-1528 supports ECC memory. The Core i7-8560U does not list ECC support in the database.

Q: What is the production status of each chip?

A: The Core i7-8560U is marked as end-of-life, while the Xeon D-1528 is listed as active production.

Architecture Differences

The Core i7-8560U and Xeon D-1528 belong to different architectural families and target entirely different market segments. The Core i7 is built on Whiskey Lake, specifically the Whiskey Lake-U variant, and is a mobile processor. The Xeon D-1528 uses the Broadwell architecture, specifically Broadwell-DE, and is a server or workstation part.

Both chips use Intel's 14 nm process node, but the similarities end there. The Core i7 integrates UHD Graphics 620, while the Xeon D-1528 has no integrated graphics at all. This reflects their intended roles: the mobile chip must drive a display, while the server chip relies on a discrete GPU or headless operation.

Cache organization differs notably. The Core i7 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon D-1528 has 1.5 MB of L3 per core, which totals 9 MB across its 6 cores. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core.

PCIe lane counts also diverge. The Core i7 provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, while the Xeon D-1528 offers 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. The Xeon's additional lanes suit server workloads with more expansion cards, storage controllers, or network adapters.

The sockets are incompatible. The Core i7 uses Intel BGA 1528, while the Xeon D-1528 uses Intel BGA 1667. The Xeon also carries a larger physical footprint with a die size of 246 mm² and 3,200 million transistors, though the database does not list die size or transistor count for the Core i7.

Release timing and status also separate them. The Core i7 launched in late September 2018 and is end-of-life. The Xeon D-1528 launched in late October 2015 and remains active. The Xeon has a higher TDP at 35 watts versus 15 watts for the Core i7, reflecting the server chip's higher power envelope.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Xeon D-1528 wins every single head-to-head test, recording 6 wins out of 6 against the Core i7-8560U. The margins are small but consistent, ranging from 2.4 to 2.7 percent across all six Cinebench tests.

For a mobile user, the Core i7-8560U makes sense only if the system must run on battery and use integrated graphics. Its 15-watt TDP is a fraction of the Xeon's 35 watts, and the built-in UHD Graphics 620 eliminates the need for a separate GPU. However, the data shows no performance advantage for the Core i7 in any recorded workload.

For a server or workstation builder, the Xeon D-1528 is the clear choice. It offers 6 cores versus 4, 12 threads versus 8, ECC memory support, more PCIe lanes, and active production status. The launch MSRP is $320, and it outperforms the Core i7 across all Cinebench iterations.

The Core i7's only real strengths are its low power draw and integrated graphics, both of which matter for laptops but not for servers. If the workload is purely CPU-bound and the platform allows for the Xeon's socket and power envelope, the Xeon D-1528 is the better processor. The percentile ranking confirms this: the Xeon sits at the 40th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core i7 sits at the 39th.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: Core i7-8560U has 4 cores; Xeon D-1528 has 6 cores.
• Threads: Core i7-8560U has 8 threads; Xeon D-1528 has 12 threads.
• Base Clock: Core i7-8560U runs at 1800 MHz; Xeon D-1528 runs at 1900 MHz.
• Boost Clock: Core i7-8560U boosts to 4600 MHz; Xeon D-1528 boosts to 2500 MHz.
• TDP: Core i7-8560U is rated at 15 watts; Xeon D-1528 is rated at 35 watts.
• Socket: Core i7-8560U uses Intel BGA 1528; Xeon D-1528 uses Intel BGA 1667.
• Architecture: Core i7-8560U is Whiskey Lake; Xeon D-1528 is Broadwell.
• Codename: Core i7-8560U is Whiskey Lake-U; Xeon D-1528 is Broadwell.
• L3 Cache: Core i7-8560U has 8 MB shared; Xeon D-1528 has 1.5 MB per core.
• PCIe Lanes: Core i7-8560U has 16 Gen 3 lanes; Xeon D-1528 has 24 Gen 3 lanes.
• Integrated Graphics: Core i7-8560U has UHD Graphics 620; Xeon D-1528 has none.
• ECC Memory: Core i7-8560U does not support ECC; Xeon D-1528 supports ECC.
• Market Segment: Core i7-8560U is mobile; Xeon D-1528 is server/workstation.
• Production Status: Core i7-8560U is end-of-life; Xeon D-1528 is active.
• Release Date: Core i7-8560U released September 30, 2018; Xeon D-1528 released October 31, 2015.
• Transistors: Core i7-8560U has no listed count; Xeon D-1528 has 3,200 million.
• Die Size: Core i7-8560U has no listed size; Xeon D-1528 is 246 mm².
• Memory Bandwidth: Core i7-8560U lists 38.4 GB/s; Xeon D-1528 does not list a bandwidth figure.
• Part Number: Core i7-8560U is SRGML; Xeon D-1528 is SR2DL.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon D-1528 wins all six recorded Cinebench tests. The margins are tight, but they are consistent across both single-core and multi-core workloads.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 584 against 568 for the Core i7, a 2.7 percent advantage. The R15 single-core test shows 82 versus 80, a 2.4 percent lead for the Xeon.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the Xeon again takes multi-core with 2435 versus 2369, another 2.7 percent delta. Single-core in R20 shows 343 versus 334, a 2.6 percent gap.

Cinebench R23 follows the same pattern. Multi-core results show 5799 for the Xeon and 5641 for the Core i7, a 2.7 percent difference. Single-core results show 818 versus 796, again a 2.7 percent gap.

The consistent delta of approximately 2.7 percent across tests suggests a stable performance advantage rather than a workload-specific anomaly. The Xeon's higher core count and slightly higher base clock appear to offset the Core i7's much higher boost clock of 4600 MHz versus 2500 MHz.

The Core i7 never wins a single test in the head-to-head set. Its average benchmark score of 1631 places it near rivals like the Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3, which scores 1630, and the Intel Pentium Gold G7400T at 1628. The Xeon D-1528's average of 1677 places it near the Intel Core i5-4690K at 1682 and the Core i7-3770K at 1688.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon D-1528 wins in every measured CPU workload. If the task is rendering, encoding, compiling, or any Cinebench-style multi-threaded workload, the Xeon is faster. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide a structural advantage that the Core i7 cannot overcome despite its higher boost clock.

The Xeon also wins in single-threaded tests, though by a smaller margin. The 2.4 to 2.7 percent lead in single-core tests indicates that the Xeon's architecture and base clock advantages are enough to edge out the Core i7 even when only one core is active.

The Core i7-8560U wins in platform-level considerations. Its 15-watt TDP makes it suitable for thin-and-light laptops where power draw and heat output are critical constraints. The integrated UHD Graphics 620 means the system does not need a separate graphics card, which is essential for mobile form factors.

The Xeon D-1528 wins in server environments. ECC memory support protects against data corruption in long-running workloads. The 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes allow for more storage or networking expansion. Active production status means the chip remains available for new systems.

For a mobile user who needs a laptop CPU with modest multi-core performance and integrated graphics, the Core i7-8560U is the only viable option between the two, even though it loses every benchmark. For anyone building a server or workstation where power draw is less critical and ECC memory or extra PCIe lanes matter, the Xeon D-1528 is the superior processor on every measured performance metric.