Intel Xeon D-1531 vs Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 across all six Cinebench tests, but the margins are remarkably narrow. This is not a dominant victory; it is a consistent, single-digit percentage edge that holds across every workload type.

In multi-core tests, the E3-1285 v4 posts 664 points in Cinebench R15 against 656 for the Xeon D-1531, a 1.2% advantage. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core: 2770 versus 2737, again a 1.2% delta. The newest multi-core test, Cinebench R23, shows 6596 against 6517, once more a 1.2% difference. The story is essentially identical in every multi-core generation, which suggests the performance relationship is structural rather than workload-dependent.

Single-core results tell the same tale with slightly more variation. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the E3-1285 v4 scores 93 versus 92, a 1.1% edge. Cinebench R20 single-core shows the largest gap in the entire comparison: 391 versus 386, a 1.3% delta. The R23 single-core test narrows again to 931 versus 920, a 1.2% difference.

The win count is decisive on paper: six wins for the E3-1285 v4, zero for the D-1531. Yet the data also shows how close these processors are in absolute terms. A 1.2% or 1.3% margin is within run-to-run noise for many workloads. The benchmark results indicate that the E3-1285 v4 is the faster part in every measured scenario, but the D-1531 is never far behind.

The average benchmark score reinforces the near-tie. The E3-1285 v4 posts an average score of 1908, while the D-1531 sits at 1885. Both processors land at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy the same performance tier relative to the entire field. The delta in average score is roughly 1.2%, consistent with the Cinebench head-to-head margins.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Broadwell architecture and the 14 nm manufacturing process, but they are distinct implementations of that design. The E3-1285 v4 uses the Broadwell-DT microarchitecture and codename, while the D-1531 uses the Broadwell-DE variant. This is a desktop-style server chip versus a system-on-chip optimized for dense, low-power deployments.

The core count is the most obvious differentiator. The D-1531 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the E3-1285 v4 has 4 cores and 8 threads. That is a 50% advantage in core count for the D-1531, yet the E3-1285 v4 still wins every multi-core benchmark. This is because the E3-1285 v4 runs at much higher clocks: 3.50 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost, versus 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost for the D-1531.

Cache organization differs significantly. The E3-1285 v4 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the D-1531 has 1.5 MB of L3 per core, which totals 9 MB across six cores. The per-core L1 and L2 caches are identical: 64 KB per core and 256 KB per core respectively. The D-1531's larger total L3 is a server-style design that favors cache-heavy workloads.

The die size and transistor count reflect the different chips. The D-1531 is a much larger die at 246 mm² with 3,200 million transistors. The E3-1285 v4 has a die size of 182 mm² with no transistor figure recorded. This size difference is partially due to the D-1531's integrated network processor and other platform features.

Memory support is another divergence. The E3-1285 v4 supports only DDR3, while the D-1531 supports both DDR3 and DDR4. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The E3-1285 v4 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, while the D-1531 has no bandwidth figure in the database.

The D-1531 also offers more PCIe connectivity: 24 lanes of Gen 3 versus 16 lanes for the E3-1285 v4. This makes the D-1531 more expandable in terms of I/O.

Where Each One Wins

The E3-1285 v4 wins every benchmark in the database, but the context matters. Its victories come from higher clock speeds, not from architectural efficiency or core count. The 3.50 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost clock are substantially higher than the D-1531's 2.20 GHz and 2.70 GHz. This gives the E3-1285 v4 a clear advantage in single-threaded workloads, which is why its single-core scores are consistently ahead.

The D-1531, despite losing every test, has strengths that are not captured in the Cinebench suite. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration and 24 PCIe lanes make it better suited for multi-threaded server workloads where raw core count matters more than clock speed. The E3-1285 v4's 4 cores, 8 threads, and 16 lanes are more limited in that regard.

The E3-1285 v4 also has an integrated GPU, the Intel Iris Pro P6300, while the D-1531 has no integrated graphics. This makes the E3-1285 v4 useful for workstations that need display output without a discrete GPU. The D-1531 is, by contrast, designed to be placed in a server where a GPU is either absent or added separately.

The production statuses tell a different story. The E3-1285 v4 is end-of-life, while the D-1531 is active. This means the D-1531 is a more practical choice for new deployments in the present day, even if it trails in raw benchmark performance.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge on nearly every specification except for the 14 nm process node, dual-channel memory bus, ECC support, and unlocked multiplier status.

• Cores: E3-1285 v4 has 4, D-1531 has 6
• Threads: E3-1285 v4 has 8, D-1531 has 12
• Base clock: 3.50 GHz versus 2.20 GHz
• Boost clock: 3.80 GHz vs 2.70 GHz
• TDP: 95 W vs 35 W
• Socket: Intel Socket 1150 vs Intel BGA 1667
• Codename: Broadwell-DT vs Broadwell-DE
• Transistors: not recorded for E3-1285 v4; 3,200 million for D-1531
• Die size: 182 mm² vs 246 mm²
• L3 cache: 6 MB shared vs 1.5 MB per core
• Memory support: DDR3 only vs DDR3, DDR4
• Memory bandwidth: 29.9 GB/s vs not recorded
• PCIe: 16 lanes vs 24 lanes
• Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Pro P6300 vs none
• Production status: End-of-life vs Active
• Release date: 2015-06-01 vs 2015-10-31
• Launch MSRP: $556 vs $348
• Part number: SR2CX vs SR2DG

The TDP gap is the most striking. The D-1531 is rated at 35 W, which is lower than the 95 W of the E3-1285 v4. That allows for a far more power-efficient system, especially in dense server environments.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 has 6 cores and 12 threads, whereas the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Does the E3-1285 v4 or the D-1531 have higher clock speeds?

A: The E3-1285 v4 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The D-1531 runs at 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR4 memory?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 supports both DDR3 and DDR4. The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 supports only DDR3.

Q: What is the TDP of each CPU?

A: The E3-1285 v4 has a TDP of 95 W, while the D-1531 has a TDP of 35 W.

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The E3-1285 v4 scores 931 in Cinebench R23 single-core, compared to 920 for the D-1531, a 1.2% difference.

Q: Are both CPUs still in production?

A: No. The E3-1285 v4 is end-of-life, while the D-1531 is listed as active.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous on raw performance: the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 is the faster CPU in every benchmark test recorded. It wins all six Cinebench tests with margins from 1.2% to 1.3%. If you only care about benchmark scores, the E3-1285 v4 is the pick.

But the database also shows a different kind of winner. The Xeon D-1531 is active, lower power, supports DDR4, has more cores, and comes with a lower launch MSRP. Its 35 W TDP is a fraction of the E3-1285 v4's 95 W, which matters in power-constrained server racks. Its 6 cores and 12 threads are better suited for parallel server workloads than the E3-1285 v4's 4 cores and 8 threads, even if the Cinebench results do not reflect that advantage.

For a workstation with integrated graphics, the E3-1285 v4 is the clear choice. It has the Intel Iris Pro P6300 GPU, higher clocks, and a 29.9 GB/s memory bandwidth. It is also end-of-life, so it is only suitable for legacy systems or replacements.

For a new server deployment, the D-1531 is the more sensible option despite losing every benchmark. It is active, lower power, and offers DDR4 support and 24 PCIe lanes. The performance gap is tiny, but the operational advantages are substantial. Choose the E3-1285 v4 for maximum per-thread speed and integrated graphics; choose the D-1531 for power efficiency, more cores, and modern memory support.