Intel Core Ultra 7 155U vs Intel Xeon D-1746TER Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between the Intel Xeon D-1746TER and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, with each processor dominating different types of workloads. The Core Ultra 7 155U wins 11 of the 17 recorded comparisons, while the Xeon D-1746TER takes 6. However, the margin of victory matters as much as the count.

The largest single win belongs to the Core Ultra 7 155U in the PassMark single-thread test, where it scores 3372 against the Xeon's 1785, a 47.1% advantage. This is the most decisive gap in the entire comparison. The Xeon's best showing is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 13311 against 9674.5, a 37.6% lead. These two results frame the fundamental difference between the parts: the Core Ultra excels at lightly threaded tasks, while the Xeon pulls ahead in sustained multi-core rendering.

Beyond the extremes, the Cinebench family tells a nuanced story. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core Ultra leads with 1585 versus 1341, a 15.4% margin. In R20 multi-core, the lead narrows to just 3%, with scores of 5765 and 5590. Then in R23 multi-core, the Xeon reverses the trend entirely, winning by 37.6%. The progression suggests that the Xeon's advantage grows as the workload becomes more demanding and longer-running, likely due to its server-oriented design and higher thermal ceiling.

Single-core Cinebench results are similarly split. The Core Ultra wins R15 single-core by 20.8% (238.5 versus 189) and R20 single-core by 3% (813 versus 789), but the Xeon takes R23 single-core by 12.8% (1879 versus 1666). The Xeon's boost clock of 3.10 GHz is lower than the Core Ultra's 4.80 GHz, yet the R23 result shows the Xeon can still outperform in certain single-thread scenarios.

In the PassMark suite, the Xeon wins data compression by 8.2% (191594 versus 177122), extended instructions by 27.4% (12620 versus 9903), prime number finding by 4.6% (68 versus 65), and random string sorting by 20.1% (23732 versus 19767). The Core Ultra counters with wins in data encryption by 17.6% (11333 versus 9343), floating point math by 18.6% (40256 versus 32772), integer math by 5.4% (57564 versus 54482), multithread by 4.4% (16382 versus 15660), and physics by 20.8% (1084 versus 859).

The overall average benchmark scores are close: the Xeon averages 21635, while the Core Ultra averages 21174. Both sit at the 75th percentile among all CPUs, and their nearest rivals reflect this parity. The Xeon's closest competitor is the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H at 21749 (0.5% higher), while the Core Ultra's closest is the AMD Ryzen 5 7530U at 21133 (0.2% lower).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Xeon D-1746TER uses the Ice Lake-D architecture on a 10 nm process node, while the Core Ultra 7 155U uses Meteor Lake on a 7 nm node. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the process difference is significant: the smaller 7 nm node allows the Core Ultra to pack more transistors into a lower power envelope.

Core configurations diverge sharply. The Xeon has 10 cores and 20 threads, while the Core Ultra has 12 cores but only 14 threads. This is an unusual comparison because the Core Ultra's hybrid design includes efficiency cores that do not support hyper-threading, resulting in fewer threads despite more physical cores. The Xeon's 20 threads give it a 42.9% thread advantage, which explains its strong multi-core Cinebench R23 result.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Xeon provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 15 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core Ultra offers 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The Xeon has 3 MB more L3 cache, while the Core Ultra has larger per-core L1 and L2 allocations.

Memory support represents a major architectural split. The Xeon uses DDR4 with triple-channel memory and a bandwidth of 64.0 GB/s, plus ECC support. The Core Ultra uses DDR5 with dual-channel memory, a higher bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, but no ECC. The Core Ultra's memory bandwidth is 40% higher, which benefits memory-intensive workloads like floating point math.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Xeon provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes, while the Core Ultra provides Gen 4 with 12 lanes. The Xeon's additional four lanes support more expansion devices, fitting its server/workstation market segment. The Core Ultra includes integrated Arc Xe-LPG 64EU graphics, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics at all.

Power and packaging are dramatically different. The Xeon has a TDP of 67 watts, while the Core Ultra sits at just 15 watts. The Xeon uses the Intel BGA 2227 socket, while the Core Ultra uses Intel BGA 2049. The Xeon launched on February 23, 2022, with the Core Ultra following on December 13, 2023.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon D-1746TER establishes its dominance in long-running, multi-threaded compute tasks. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 13311 stands 37.6% above the Core Ultra, and its extended instructions score of 12620 is 27.4% higher. Data compression at 191594 and random string sorting at 23732 also favor the Xeon by 8.2% and 20.1% respectively. These workloads all benefit from the Xeon's 20 threads and larger shared L3 cache. The server-grade ECC memory support and triple-channel DDR4 further reinforce its position for data integrity and sustained throughput.

The Core Ultra 7 155U wins where responsiveness and single-thread performance matter most. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3372 crushes the Xeon's 1785 by 47.1%, and its physics score of 1084 beats the Xeon's 859 by 20.8%. Data encryption at 11333 is 17.6% ahead, and floating point math at 40256 is 18.6% ahead. These results align with the Core Ultra's higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz and its larger per-core cache. The integrated Arc Xe-LPG 64EU graphics also make it suitable for systems that need display output without a discrete GPU.

The choice between the two depends on the workload profile. For database servers, virtualization hosts, or render farms that run continuous multi-threaded jobs, the Xeon's thread count and cache capacity provide measurable advantages. For interactive desktop workloads, encryption tasks, or systems constrained by power and heat, the Core Ultra's single-thread performance and low 15-watt TDP make it the more responsive option.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U has 12 cores, but the Intel Xeon D-1746TER has more threads at 20 versus 14. The Core Ultra's hybrid architecture includes efficiency cores that do not support hyper-threading.

Q: How significant is the single-thread performance difference?

A: The Core Ultra leads by 47.1% in the PassMark single-thread test, scoring 3372 against the Xeon's 1785. This is the largest margin in any recorded benchmark between the two.

Q: Which processor has better multi-core rendering performance?

A: The Xeon wins Cinebench R23 multi-core by 37.6%, scoring 13311 versus 9674.5. However, the Core Ultra wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 15.4% and R20 multi-core by 3%.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon D-1746TER supports ECC memory, while the Core Ultra 7 155U does not. This makes the Xeon better suited for error-critical server workloads.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth specifications?

A: The Core Ultra has higher memory bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s using dual-channel DDR5, while the Xeon provides 64.0 GB/s using triple-channel DDR4.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Core Ultra 7 155U includes Arc Xe-LPG 64EU integrated graphics. The Xeon D-1746TER has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon D-1746TER | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U |

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

| Cores | 10 | 12 |

| Threads | 20 | 14 |

| Base Clock | 2000.00 MHz | 1700.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.10 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 67 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2227 | Intel BGA 2049 |

| Architecture | Ice Lake | Meteor Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 15 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5 |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 64.0 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 Lanes | Gen 4, 12 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Arc Xe-LPG 64EU |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2022-02-23 | 2023-12-13 |

| Launch MSRP | $1069 | $490 |

The Verdict

The data supports a clear division of roles. The Intel Xeon D-1746TER is the choice for workloads that demand sustained multi-threaded performance, error-correcting memory, and large cache capacity. Its 37.6% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core, 27.4% advantage in extended instructions, and 20.1% edge in random string sorting make it the superior option for compute-heavy server tasks. The 20 threads and 15 MB of L3 cache are the structural advantages driving these wins.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U is the choice for power-constrained mobile systems that prioritize single-thread responsiveness and integrated graphics. Its 47.1% single-thread advantage and 20.8% physics win demonstrate clear superiority in interactive workloads. The 15-watt TDP, compared to the Xeon's 67 watts, makes it dramatically more efficient for portable devices. Its 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth also gives it an edge in memory-throughput-sensitive tasks.

For a server or workstation that runs continuously under heavy multi-threaded loads, the Xeon D-1746TER's benchmark profile is the stronger fit. For a laptop or compact mobile system where battery life, heat, and single-thread speed matter, the Core Ultra 7 155U is the data-backed choice. The overall average scores are nearly identical, but the workload-specific results show two processors optimized for opposite ends of the computing spectrum.