Intel Processor N97 vs Intel Xeon D-1518 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Processor N97 wins 3 of the 4 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, with the Intel Xeon D-1518 taking only the Cinebench R23 multi-core test.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap in Cinebench R15?

A: The Intel Processor N97 scores 161 versus 54 for the Xeon D-1518, a delta of 198.1% in favor of the N97. This is the largest margin in any recorded test.

Q: Does the Xeon D-1518 have any advantage in multi-threaded workloads?

A: Yes, in Cinebench R23 multi-core the Xeon D-1518 scores 3877 against 2913 for the N97, a 24.9% advantage. The Xeon has 8 threads versus 4 threads on the N97.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The N97 averages 1132 across all recorded benchmarks, while the Xeon D-1518 averages 1121. Both sit at the 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1518 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Processor N97 does not. The Xeon also supports DDR3 memory in addition to DDR4.

Q: What are the process nodes for these two chips?

A: The Intel Processor N97 is built on a 10 nm process, while the Intel Xeon D-1518 uses a 14 nm process. Both are manufactured by Intel.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Processor N97 dominates in single-core performance across all recorded tests. In Cinebench R15 single-core it scores 161, which is 198.1% higher than the Xeon D-1518's 54. In Cinebench R23 single-core the margin narrows but remains decisive: 973 versus 547, a 77.9% lead. This pattern indicates the N97's Gracemont architecture delivers substantially higher per-thread throughput, making it the stronger choice for lightly threaded workloads such as interactive applications, scripting, or latency-sensitive tasks.

The N97 also wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, scoring 479 against 390 for the Xeon, a 22.8% advantage. This is notable because the Xeon has twice the thread count. Even with only 4 threads, the N97's higher single-core efficiency carries it ahead in this older benchmark, which is less sensitive to thread scaling.

The Intel Xeon D-1518 takes the sole win in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 3877 versus 2913 for the N97, a 24.9% margin. This benchmark rewards the Xeon's 8 threads, which allow better utilization of its dual-channel memory and server-oriented design. For sustained multi-threaded rendering or compute workloads that scale beyond 4 threads, the Xeon is the better option.

The split is clear: the N97 wins on responsiveness and single-thread speed, while the Xeon wins on raw multi-threaded throughput in modern benchmark versions. The N97's 3 wins versus 1 win reflects its broader dominance across the recorded tests, but the one loss is by a substantial margin, indicating the Xeon's niche is real.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Processor N97 uses the Gracemont architecture, which is part of the Alder Lake-N generation. This is a 10 nm design from Intel, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads. Each core carries 96 KB of L1 cache, and the chip has 2 MB of shared L2 cache plus 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The architecture is optimized for efficiency, evidenced by its 12 W TDP and mobile market segment designation. It includes integrated UHD Graphics 730, making it a self-contained solution for systems that need display output without a discrete GPU.

The Intel Xeon D-1518 is built on the Broadwell architecture, specifically the Broadwell-DE generation for server and workstation use. It uses a 14 nm process and contains 3,200 million transistors on a 246 mm² die. The cache hierarchy is per-core: 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, and 1.5 MB L3 per core, totaling 6 MB L3 across 4 cores. The Xeon supports ECC memory and dual-channel DDR3 or DDR4, which is typical for server platforms where data integrity matters. It has no integrated graphics, reflecting its server-focused role.

The N97's Gracemont cores are designed for high single-thread efficiency, which explains its strong single-core benchmark scores. The Xeon's Broadwell cores are older, from a 2015 design, and prioritize stability and multi-thread scaling over raw per-core speed. The process node difference, 10 nm versus 14 nm, contributes to the N97's lower power draw and higher clock potential. The N97 boosts to 3.60 GHz, while the Xeon has no boost clock listed and runs at a base of 2.20 GHz.

Memory architecture also differs significantly. The N97 uses single-channel memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon uses dual-channel memory. The Xeon's memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database, but dual-channel configuration typically provides higher throughput than single-channel. The N97 supports DDR4 and DDR5, whereas the Xeon supports DDR3 and DDR4, giving the N97 access to newer memory generations.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Intel Processor N97 has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Intel Xeon D-1518 has 4 cores and 8 threads, doubling the thread count via Hyper-Threading. Base clocks differ: the N97 runs at 2000 MHz, the Xeon at 2200 MHz. The N97 boosts to 3600 MHz, while the Xeon has no boost clock recorded.

Power consumption is a major differentiator. The N97 has a TDP of 12 W, the Xeon has a TDP of 35 W. This nearly threefold difference reflects the N97's efficiency-oriented design versus the Xeon's server-class power budget.

Socket and packaging differ: the N97 uses Intel BGA 1264, the Xeon uses Intel BGA 1667. Process node: 10 nm for the N97, 14 nm for the Xeon. The Xeon has a recorded transistor count of 3,200 million and a die size of 246 mm²; the N97 has no recorded transistor or die size data.

Cache configurations are not directly comparable. The N97 has 96 KB L1 per core, 2 MB shared L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Xeon has 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, and 1.5 MB L3 per core, which totals 6 MB L3 but with a per-core distribution. The N97's shared L2 is a notable design difference, allowing all cores to access a unified 2 MB pool.

Memory support: the N97 supports DDR4 and DDR5 in a single-channel configuration with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon supports DDR3 and DDR4 in a dual-channel configuration with no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory support is exclusive to the Xeon. PCIe lanes also differ: the N97 provides Gen 3 with 9 lanes, the Xeon provides Gen 3 with 24 lanes, giving the Xeon more expansion capability for server peripherals.

Integrated graphics: the N97 includes UHD Graphics 730, the Xeon has none. Market segment: the N97 is mobile, the Xeon is server/workstation. Release dates: the N97 launched in 2023, the Xeon in 2015. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $193; the N97 has no recorded launch MSRP. Both are active in production and have locked multipliers.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the Intel Processor N97 comes in Cinebench R15 single-core. The N97 scores 161 against 54 for the Xeon D-1518, a 198.1% advantage. This is an extraordinary margin, nearly triple the Xeon's score. The N97's Gracemont cores, with their 3.60 GHz boost clock, completely outclass the Xeon's Broadwell cores in single-threaded execution. For any workload that depends on per-core speed, this benchmark alone tells the story.

In Cinebench R23 single-core, the N97 again wins decisively, scoring 973 versus 547, a 77.9% lead. While the percentage is smaller than in R15, the absolute difference of 426 points is significant. The Xeon's older architecture and lack of boost clock limit its single-thread performance, while the N97's modern design maintains a strong advantage even in a more demanding benchmark version.

The N97 also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core, scoring 479 versus 390, a 22.8% margin. This result is surprising given the Xeon's 8 threads versus 4. The R15 multi-core test does not scale perfectly with thread count, and the N97's superior single-core efficiency more than compensates for the Xeon's extra threads. The N97 finishes ahead despite having half the thread count, demonstrating that per-core performance can outweigh thread scaling in certain workloads.

The single win for the Xeon D-1518 is in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here the Xeon scores 3877 against 2913 for the N97, a 24.9% advantage. This is the only test where the Xeon's 8 threads provide a clear benefit. The R23 multi-core benchmark scales well with additional threads, allowing the Xeon to leverage its dual-channel memory and higher thread count to overcome the N97's per-core advantage. The absolute difference of 964 points is substantial, showing that for modern multi-threaded workloads, the Xeon is the stronger performer.

The head-to-head data paints a consistent picture. The N97 wins every single-core test by large margins and even wins one multi-core test despite lower thread count. The Xeon wins only in the most thread-hungry benchmark. Users should choose based on workload: the N97 for single-thread performance and efficiency, the Xeon for sustained multi-threaded compute in server environments.