CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon D-1528 and Intel Xeon E-2124 are both server/workstation processors from Intel, but they represent fundamentally different design philosophies. The data shows the D-1528, a 6-core, 12-thread Broadwell part, wins all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the E-2124, a 4-core, 4-thread Coffee Lake part, albeit by very narrow margins. The largest difference is a 1.2% lead in Cinebench R15 and R20 single-core tests, while the multicore wins are just 1.1% to 1.2%. Despite the E-2124's significantly higher clock speeds, the D-1528's additional cores and threads compensate in threaded workloads, resulting in a near-statistical tie in average benchmark score (1677 vs 1658). Both sit at the 40th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they are mid-range performers. The choice between them hinges on platform requirements and power constraints rather than raw performance, as the benchmark data shows they are effectively equivalent in compute capability.

The Verdict

The benchmark results indicate that neither processor offers a decisive performance advantage in Cinebench workloads. The Intel Xeon D-1528 wins all six head-to-head tests, but the maximum delta is a mere 1.2%. In the R15 multicore test, the D-1528 scores 584 against the E-2124's 577. The R20 multicore results are 2435 versus 2408, and the R23 multicore scores are 5799 versus 5734. Single-core results follow the same pattern: 82 vs 81 in R15, 343 vs 339 in R20, and 818 vs 809 in R23. These differences are within typical run-to-run variance.

The data suggests the D-1528 is the better choice for workloads that can utilize its 12 threads. Its 1.2% multicore advantage in R15 and R20, while small, is consistent across all tests. Users running heavily threaded applications might prefer the D-1528 for its slight edge, but they should also consider its 35W TDP, which is dramatically lower than the E-2124's 71W. This makes the D-1528 exceptionally power-efficient for a server processor.

The E-2124, conversely, offers a much higher base clock of 3.30 GHz and boost clock of 4.30 GHz, compared to the D-1528's 1.90 GHz base and 2.50 GHz boost. Yet, in single-core tests, it still loses by 1.2% in R15 and R20. This suggests its architectural advantages do not translate into raw Cinebench performance. The E-2124 is end-of-life, while the D-1528 remains active in production. The E-2124 does include integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P630), which the D-1528 lacks, making it a more self-contained option for systems without a discrete GPU.

For a system builder prioritizing longevity and power efficiency, the D-1528 is the data-backed recommendation. For those needing integrated graphics or a newer socket (Intel Socket 1151), the E-2124 is the only option. The performance data alone cannot justify choosing one over the other; platform factors must be the deciding criteria.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and target different market segments. The Intel Xeon D-1528 uses the Broadwell architecture, specifically the Broadwell-DE variant, and is part of the Xeon D generation. It is built on a 14 nm process node by Intel, with a die size of 246 mm² and 3,200 million transistors. The Intel Xeon E-2124 uses the Coffee Lake architecture, specifically Coffee Lake-S WS, and belongs to the Xeon E-2100 series. It is also built on a 14 nm process node, but its die size is significantly smaller at 126 mm²; transistor count is not listed.

Cache organization differs notably between the two. The D-1528 has 1.5 MB of L3 cache per core, while the E-2124 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache. For a 6-core D-1528, the per-core L3 layout implies a total of 9 MB, whereas the 4-core E-2124 shares its 8 MB across all cores. L1 and L2 caches are identical in size per core at 64 KB and 256 KB, respectively.

Memory support also diverges. The D-1528 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the E-2124 supports only DDR4. Both are dual-channel, but the E-2124 lists a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, a figure not provided for the D-1528. PCIe lane counts differ, with the D-1528 offering 24 lanes of PCIe Gen 3 versus the E-2124's 16 lanes. The E-2124 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P630), whereas the D-1528 has no integrated graphics. The D-1528 uses a BGA 1667 socket, while the E-2124 uses Intel Socket 1151.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The D-1528's sweep of all six Cinebench tests is a notable result given the E-2124's higher clock speeds. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the D-1528 scores 584 against 577, a 1.2% advantage. This is the largest multicore delta in the comparison. The R20 multicore test shows a 1.1% lead (2435 vs 2408), and R23 multicore shows another 1.1% advantage (5799 vs 5734). The consistency of these results suggests the D-1528's 6 cores and 12 threads provide a small but repeatable edge over the E-2124's 4 cores and 4 threads.

Single-core results are even tighter. The D-1528 wins R15 single-core by 1.2% (82 vs 81), R20 single-core by 1.2% (343 vs 339), and R23 single-core by 1.1% (818 vs 809). This is surprising given the E-2124's 4.30 GHz boost clock versus the D-1528's 2.50 GHz. The data implies that the Broadwell architecture's per-core efficiency, or some other factor, compensates for the massive clock speed disadvantage. The E-2124's 4.30 GHz boost is 72% higher than the D-1528's 2.50 GHz, yet it still loses the single-core tests.

In terms of average benchmark score, the D-1528 sits at 1677, which is 1.1% higher than the E-2124's 1658. The nearest rivals for the D-1528 include the Intel Core i5-4690K (avg score 1682, delta -0.3%) and the Intel Core i7-3770K (avg score 1688, delta -0.6%). The E-2124's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-4770HQ (avg score 1660, delta -0.1%) and the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (avg score 1653, delta 0.3%). Both processors are clustered with older desktop i5 and i7 parts, reinforcing their mid-range positioning.

Specification Differences

The following table highlights only the fields where the two processors differ, based on the provided data.

| Specification | Intel Xeon D-1528 | Intel Xeon E-2124 |

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

| Series | None listed | Xeon E-2100 series |

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 1.90 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 2.50 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 71 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1667 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Broadwell | Coffee Lake |

| Codename | Broadwell | Coffee Lake-S WS |

| Generation | Xeon D (Broadwell-DE) | Xeon E (Coffee Lake) |

| Die Size | 246 mm² | 126 mm² |

| Transistors | 3,200 million | Not listed |

| L3 Cache | 1.5 MB (per core) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 |

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

| PCIe Lanes | Gen 3, 24 Lanes | Gen 3, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics P630 |

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

| Release Date | 2015-10-31 | 2018-07-11 |

| Launch MSRP | $320 | $198 |

| Part Number | SR2DL | SR3WQ |

The D-1528 has a 6-core/12-thread configuration versus the E-2124's 4-core/4-thread setup. Its TDP is less than half (35W vs 71W). The D-1528 supports more memory types and more PCIe lanes. The E-2124 is smaller, newer, has higher clocks, includes integrated graphics, and lists a memory bandwidth figure.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 scores 818 in Cinebench R23 single-core, which is 1.1% higher than the Intel Xeon E-2124's score of 809.

Q: How do the multicore scores compare in Cinebench R20?

A: The D-1528 scores 2435, while the E-2124 scores 2408. This gives the D-1528 a 1.1% advantage in this test.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 has a TDP of 35W, while the Intel Xeon E-2124 has a TDP of 71W. The D-1528 consumes significantly less power.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon D-1528 and the Intel Xeon E-2124 support ECC memory. The D-1528 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the E-2124 supports only DDR4.

Q: Which processor includes integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2124 includes UHD Graphics P630. The Intel Xeon D-1528 does not have integrated graphics.

Q: What are the production statuses of these chips?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1528 is listed as Active, while the Intel Xeon E-2124 is listed as End-of-life.