Intel Core i9-9880H vs Intel Xeon D-1587 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1587 has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i9-9880H has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Xeon offers double the core and thread count.

Q: What are the clock speed differences between the two?

A: The Core i9-9880H has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The Xeon D-1587 has a base clock of 1700.00 MHz (which is 1.70 GHz) and a boost clock of 2.30 GHz. The Core i9 has a much higher boost ceiling.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Xeon D-1587 supports ECC memory. The Core i9-9880H does not support ECC.

Q: Do both processors use the same socket?

A: No. The Core i9-9880H uses Intel BGA 1440, while the Xeon D-1587 uses Intel BGA 1667.

Q: What is the market segment for each processor?

A: The Core i9-9880H is a Mobile processor, while the Xeon D-1587 is a Server/Workstation processor.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i9-9880H includes Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics. The Xeon D-1587 has no integrated graphics.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel design lineages. The Core i9-9880H is built on the Coffee Lake architecture, specifically the Coffee Lake-HR codename, and belongs to the Core i9 generation. The Xeon D-1587 uses the older Broadwell architecture with the Broadwell-DE codename, part of the Xeon D family.

Both are manufactured on Intel's 14 nm process node, but the similarities end there. The Core i9-9880H has a die size of 149 mm², while the Xeon D-1587 has a larger die at 246 mm² and contains 3,200 million transistors. The larger die on the Xeon supports its higher core count.

Cache layouts also differ. Both share the same L1 (64 KB per core) and L2 (256 KB per core) allocations. However, the L3 cache is organized completely differently: the Core i9 has a shared 16 MB L3 cache, while the Xeon D-1587 offers 1.5 MB per core, which totals less overall for its 16 cores. This means the mobile part has a larger unified cache pool for its 8 cores, while the server chip has a smaller per-core allocation.

Memory support is another major divergence. The Core i9-9880H supports only DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The Xeon D-1587 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, though no memory bandwidth figure is recorded for it. The Xeon also adds ECC memory support, which the Core i9 lacks.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Core i9-9880H uses PCIe Gen 3, while the Xeon D-1587 also uses Gen 3 but offers 24 lanes (CPU only). The Xeon has no integrated graphics, whereas the Core i9 includes UHD 630.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-9880H is clearly positioned for mobile performance. Its 4.80 GHz boost clock gives it a substantial single-thread advantage in practice, and its 45 W TDP fits within laptop thermal envelopes. For workloads that rely on high clock speeds, such as interactive desktop use, gaming, or lightly threaded productivity tasks, the Core i9 is the better fit.

The Intel Xeon D-1587 is a server/workstation part with 16 cores and 32 threads. Its 65 W TDP is higher than the Core i9's 45 W, but it offers double the core count for parallel workloads. The Xeon's support for ECC memory and its active production status make it suitable for always-on server environments, virtualization hosts, or memory-sensitive workloads where data integrity matters.

The benchmark data shows the Xeon wins all six recorded head-to-head tests, but the margins are small. In multi-core tests, the Xeon leads by 1.3% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. Single-core tests show a similar pattern with leads between 1.2% and 1.3%. These are not large performance gaps; they are more like statistical ties. The real differentiators are the core counts, memory features, and platform roles.

For a laptop user, the Core i9's integrated graphics and higher boost clock matter more. For a server rack, the Xeon's ECC memory, 24 PCIe lanes, and 16-core configuration are the deciding factors.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-9880H | Intel Xeon D-1587 |

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

| Cores | 8 | 16 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 2.30 GHz | 1700.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 2.30 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel BGA 1667 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Broadwell |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 149 mm² | 246 mm² |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 3,200 million |

| L3 Cache | 16 MB (shared) | 1.5 MB (per core) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 3, 24 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD 630 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Server/Workstation |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | 1549 |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark results show the Xeon D-1587 winning every single test, but by very narrow margins. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 1167 against 1152 for the Core i9, a 1.3% lead. In single-core R15, the Xeon scores 164 versus 162, a 1.2% lead.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the pattern repeats. Multi-core shows the Xeon at 4865 versus 4803, again a 1.3% lead. Single-core shows 686 versus 677, a 1.3% lead.

In Cinebench R23, the Xeon scores 11585 in multi-core against 11437 for the Core i9, a 1.3% lead. Single-core R23 shows 1635 versus 1614, also a 1.3% lead.

These results are effectively a draw in real-world terms. A 1.3% difference is within run-to-run variance for most workloads. The Core i9-9880H also has Geekbench scores recorded: 6248 multi-core and 1372 single-core. No Geekbench scores are recorded for the Xeon D-1587, so no direct comparison is possible there.

The average benchmark scores tell a slightly different story. The Core i9-9880H has an average benchmark score of 3433 and sits at the 54th percentile of all CPUs. The Xeon D-1587 has an average benchmark score of 3350, also at the 54th percentile. Despite the Xeon winning all head-to-head Cinebench tests, the Core i9 has a higher overall average score, likely because Geekbench results are included in its average but not in the Xeon's.

Rival comparisons offer additional context. The Core i9-9880H sits within 0.3% of the AMD Ryzen 5 4600HS (average score 3444) and the Intel Core i7-5960X (average score 3442), and it is essentially tied with the Intel Core i7-10875H (average score 3432). The Xeon D-1587 is 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i7-7800X (average score 3333) and 1.2% ahead of the Intel Core i5-11400T (average score 3309), while trailing the AMD Ryzen 7 5800U by 0.5% and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7530U by 1.3%.

The Verdict

The benchmark data shows that these two processors are nearly identical in raw Cinebench performance. The Xeon D-1587 wins all six head-to-head tests, but the largest margin is 1.3%. Anyone choosing between them based on benchmark scores alone would be splitting hairs.

The real decision comes down to platform and workload. The Core i9-9880H is a mobile processor with a 4.80 GHz boost clock, integrated UHD 630 graphics, and a 45 W TDP. It is end-of-life, but it belongs in a laptop where single-thread responsiveness and built-in display output matter. Its 8 cores and 16 threads are sufficient for most mobile workloads, and its shared 16 MB L3 cache benefits tasks that need fast access to a unified pool of data.

The Xeon D-1587 is a server/workstation processor with 16 cores, 32 threads, and ECC memory support. It is still in active production. Its 65 W TDP is higher, its boost clock is just 2.30 GHz, and it has no integrated graphics. It also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory and provides 24 PCIe lanes for expansion. This is a part for a server board, not a laptop.

For a mobile user, the Core i9-9880H is the only sensible choice. It has the higher clock speeds, the integrated graphics, and the lower TDP. For a server or workstation build where ECC memory and high core counts are required, the Xeon D-1587 is the clear pick. Its 16 cores and 32 threads provide double the parallelism of the Core i9, and its active production status means it remains available for new systems. The benchmark results suggest performance parity in Cinebench, but the platform features are what separate these two processors.