Intel Xeon D-1527 vs Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents an unusually close contest between these two server/workstation processors. Across six Cinebench tests, the Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 wins every single matchup, yet the margins are razor-thin—never exceeding a 0.5% delta. In the R15 multicore test, the E5-1607 v3 scores 422 against the Xeon D-1527's 420, a 0.5% advantage. The R20 multicore run shows 1761 versus 1753, again a 0.5% edge. The R23 multicore results follow the same pattern: 4193 for the E5-1607 v3 and 4176 for the D-1527, a 0.4% lead.

Single-core results are even tighter. The R15 single-core test produces identical scores of 59 for both processors, technically awarding the win to the E5-1607 v3 based on a 0% delta. The R20 single-core test shows 248 versus 247, a 0.4% difference. The R23 single-core test lands at 591 versus 589, a 0.3% margin. What stands out is the consistency: the E5-1607 v3 leads in every category, but no lead exceeds half a percentage point. In practical terms, these chips are benchmark twins, with the E5-1607 v3 holding a nominal but reproducible edge.

The average benchmark scores reflect this near-parity. The E5-1607 v3 averages 1212 across its benchmark suite, while the D-1527 averages 1207. Both processors sit at the 34th percentile among all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same performance tier relative to the broader market. The nearest rivals list reinforces this: the E5-1607 v3's closest competitor is the Intel Core i3-7300T at 1211 (0.1% behind), while the D-1527's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon D-1520 at 1209 (0.1% ahead). These two chips are so close that benchmark noise could plausibly flip results on any given run, yet the data consistently favors the E5-1607 v3.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these processors is considerable, even though their benchmark output converges. The E5-1607 v3 is built on Intel's 22 nm Haswell-EP process, packing 2,600 million transistors into a 356 mm² die. It runs at a fixed 3.10 GHz base clock with no boost capability. The D-1527, by contrast, uses the newer 14 nm Broadwell process, integrating 3,200 million transistors on a smaller 246 mm² die. It operates at a 2.20 GHz base clock but boosts up to 2.70 GHz. This explains the performance parity: the E5-1607 v3's higher sustained clock offsets the D-1527's architectural and process advantages.

Core and thread counts differ meaningfully. The E5-1607 v3 provides 4 cores and 4 threads—no Hyper-Threading. The D-1527 also has 4 cores but doubles the thread count to 8. Cache hierarchies diverge as well. Both chips offer 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core. The E5-1607 v3 has 10 MB of shared L3 cache, while the D-1527 provides 1.5 MB per core, which totals 6 MB across the four cores. Despite the D-1527's thread advantage, the E5-1607 v3's larger shared cache and higher clock speed keep the multicore scores effectively level.

Memory and platform specifications highlight different design philosophies. The E5-1607 v3 supports DDR4 memory over a quad-channel bus, delivering 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. It uses the Intel Socket 2011-3 and carries a 140 W TDP. The D-1527 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, with no bandwidth figure listed. It uses the compact Intel BGA 1667 socket and sips just 35 W. PCIe connectivity also differs: the E5-1607 v3 offers 40 Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, while the D-1527 provides 24 Gen 3 lanes. Both support ECC memory, and neither includes integrated graphics.

The production statuses tell a lifecycle story. The E5-1607 v3 is end-of-life, released in September 2014. The D-1527 remains active, released in October 2015—over a year later. The process node jump from 22 nm to 14 nm and the transistor count increase from 2,600 million to 3,200 million reflect Intel's manufacturing advancement between generations. The D-1527's die is over 100 mm² smaller despite holding more transistors, a direct benefit of the denser process.

Where Each One Wins

The E5-1607 v3 claims victory in all six head-to-head benchmarks, but the practical implications require careful reading. Its wins in single-core tests—though marginal—suggest a slight edge for lightly threaded workloads. The 3.10 GHz fixed clock with no boost variance provides predictable performance for latency-sensitive tasks. The quad-channel memory bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth make the E5-1607 v3 the better fit for memory-bandwidth-bound applications, such as large dataset manipulation or virtualization hosts with heavy memory traffic. Its 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes also support more expansion devices or high-throughput peripherals directly from the CPU.

The D-1527 counters with its 8 threads against the E5-1607 v3's 4 threads. In threaded workloads that scale well beyond four threads, the D-1527's Hyper-Threading capability should theoretically provide headroom, yet the benchmark data shows the E5-1607 v3 still edges ahead in multicore tests. This suggests the E5-1607 v3's higher clock and larger L3 cache compensate fully for its thread deficit. The D-1527's real advantages lie elsewhere: its 35 W TDP versus 140 W makes it dramatically more power-efficient, and its BGA 1667 socket enables compact, low-power embedded or edge deployments. The dual-channel memory support for both DDR3 and DDR4 offers flexibility for existing infrastructure.

The D-1527 also benefits from its active production status. The E5-1607 v3 is end-of-life, which matters for long-term procurement or replacement availability. The D-1527's launch MSRP was $213, a figure worth noting given its feature set. For deployments prioritizing energy efficiency, thermal footprint, or small form factors, the D-1527 is the clear choice. For raw single-thread responsiveness or maximum memory bandwidth in a standard workstation socket, the E5-1607 v3 holds the edge.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multicore performance?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 wins all three multicore Cinebench tests. It scores 422 vs 420 in R15, 1761 vs 1753 in R20, and 4193 vs 4176 in R23. The deltas range from 0.4% to 0.5%, so the advantage is small but consistent.

Q: How do single-core scores compare?

A: The E5-1607 v3 again takes every single-core test. R15 is a tie at 59 vs 59, R20 is 248 vs 247 (0.4% lead), and R23 is 591 vs 589 (0.3% lead). The E5-1607 v3's higher base clock likely drives these wins.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: Both processors have 4 cores. The E5-1607 v3 has 4 threads, while the D-1527 has 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. Despite the D-1527's thread advantage, it does not outperform the E5-1607 v3 in any benchmark.

Q: What memory configurations do they support?

A: The E5-1607 v3 supports DDR4 over a quad-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The D-1527 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, with no bandwidth figure listed. Both support ECC memory.

Q: What are the power and platform differences?

A: The E5-1607 v3 has a 140 W TDP and uses Intel Socket 2011-3, while the D-1527 has a 35 W TDP and uses Intel BGA 1667. The E5-1607 v3 offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes; the D-1527 offers 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes.

Q: Which processor is currently available?

A: The D-1527 is marked as active production, with a launch MSRP of $213. The E5-1607 v3 is end-of-life. The D-1527 was released in October 2015, over a year after the E5-1607 v3's September 2014 release.

The Verdict

The data presents a paradox: the E5-1607 v3 wins every benchmark, yet the D-1527 is arguably the more future-proof purchase. If benchmark scores alone drive the decision, the E5-1607 v3 is the nominal winner. Its six-for-six head-to-head sweep, including a 0.5% multicore lead in R15 and R20, establishes it as the higher-performing chip. Its quad-channel memory bandwidth and 40 PCIe lanes also give it a platform-level advantage for memory-intensive or expansion-heavy workstation builds.

However, the D-1527's strengths are not captured in Cinebench scores. Its 35 W TDP is a fraction of the E5-1607 v3's 140 W, making it suitable for passively cooled or low-power enclosures. Its 8 threads provide theoretical multithreading headroom that the benchmarks do not currently exploit. Its active production status and BGA socket target embedded and compact server applications where the E5-1607 v3's large LGA 2011-3 platform is impractical. The D-1527 also carries a $213 launch MSRP, which is notable for a server-class part.

Choose the E5-1607 v3 if your priority is maximum benchmark performance, memory bandwidth, or PCIe expansion in a standard workstation socket. Choose the D-1527 if power efficiency, compact form factor, or current production availability matter more. Both processors sit at the 34th percentile among all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores differ by only 5 points out of roughly 1200. In real-world terms, the performance gap is negligible; the platform and power characteristics will likely determine the correct choice.