Intel Xeon D-1531 vs Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 Comparison
Intel Xeon D-1531
Xeon E3-1545M v5
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Xeon D-1531 vs Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5
FAQ
Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?
A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 leads with an average benchmark score of 1885, while the Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 scores 1879. The difference is 0.3% in favor of the D-1531.
Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core Cinebench R23 performance?
A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 scores 6517 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 scores 6497. This gives the D-1531 a 0.3% advantage in that test.
Q: Do the two processors have identical single-core performance in Cinebench R15?
A: Yes, both processors score exactly 92 in Cinebench R15 single-core. The deltaPct is 0, indicating no measurable difference in that benchmark.
Q: What is the TDP difference between the two Xeon processors?
A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 has a TDP of 45 watts. The D-1531 consumes less power by specification.
Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?
A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 has 4 cores and 8 threads. The D-1531 offers a 50% core advantage.
Q: What is the production status of each processor?
A: The Intel Xeon D-1531 is listed as "Active" in production status, while the Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 is listed as "End-of-life." This suggests the D-1531 remains available while the E3-1545M v5 has been phased out.
Architecture Differences
The two processors come from different Intel architecture families despite sharing the same 14 nm process node. The Intel Xeon D-1531 is built on the Broadwell architecture with the codename Broadwell-DE, part of the Xeon D generation. The Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 uses the Skylake architecture with the codename Skylake-H, belonging to the Xeon E3 generation.
Transistor count and die size reveal a fundamental divergence in design priorities. The D-1531 contains 3,200 million transistors on a 246 mm² die, while the E3-1545M v5 has 2,300 million transistors on a 171 mm² die. The D-1531's larger die accommodates two additional cores, whereas the E3-1545M v5's smaller die integrates graphics functionality.
Cache organization differs significantly between the two. The D-1531 provides 1.5 MB of L3 cache per core, which with 6 cores totals 9 MB across the chip. The E3-1545M v5 has 8 MB of L3 cache shared across its 4 cores. Both share the same per-core L1 cache of 64 KB and L2 cache of 256 KB, but the distribution strategy for L3 is distinct.
Integrated graphics is a major architectural differentiator. The E3-1545M v5 includes Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the D-1531 has no integrated graphics. This reflects their intended roles — the E3-1545M v5 targets mobile workstations where discrete GPUs may not always be present, while the D-1531 is designed for server environments with dedicated graphics or headless operation.
Memory support is similar on paper, with both supporting DDR3 and DDR4 in dual-channel configurations, and both supporting ECC memory. However, the E3-1545M v5 lists a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, a figure not specified for the D-1531. PCIe lane allocation also differs: the D-1531 provides Gen 3 with 24 lanes, while the E3-1545M v5 provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes.
Where Each One Wins
The Intel Xeon D-1531 wins all six head-to-head benchmarks against the E3-1545M v5, though by narrow margins. The D-1531's advantage comes primarily from its additional cores and threads — 6 cores and 12 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads. This makes it the better choice for multi-threaded workloads that can utilize more parallel execution units.
The D-1531 also wins on power efficiency. With a TDP of 35 watts versus 45 watts for the E3-1545M v5, the D-1531 delivers slightly higher benchmark scores while consuming less power. This combination of lower TDP and higher performance makes it attractive for dense server deployments where thermal and power budgets are constrained.
The E3-1545M v5 has its own advantages that the benchmark data does not capture. It includes Iris Pro Graphics P580, which provides integrated graphics capabilities that the D-1531 lacks entirely. For systems that need video output without a discrete GPU, the E3-1545M v5 is the only option between the two.
The E3-1545M v5 also has significantly higher clock speeds. Its base clock of 2.90 GHz and boost clock of 3.80 GHz substantially exceed the D-1531's 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost. Despite this clock advantage, the E3-1545M v5 cannot overcome the D-1531's core count advantage in multi-core tests, and single-core scores remain nearly identical.
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Xeon D-1531 | Intel Xeon E3-1545M v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 2.90 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 2.70 GHz | 3.80 GHz |
| TDP | 35 W | 45 W |
| Socket | Intel BGA 1667 | Intel BGA 1440 |
| Architecture | Broadwell | Skylake |
| Codename | Broadwell-DE | Skylake-H |
| Transistors | 3,200 million | 2,300 million |
| Die Size | 246 mm² | 171 mm² |
| L3 Cache | 1.5 MB (per core) | 8 MB (shared) |
| Memory Bandwidth | Not specified | 34.1 GB/s |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 (Gen 3) | 16 (Gen 3) |
| Integrated Graphics | None | Iris Pro Graphics P580 |
| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |
| Release Date | 2015-10-31 | 2016-01-23 |
| Launch MSRP | $348 | $679 |
| Part Number | SR2DG | SR2QU |
Both processors share several specifications: 14 nm process node, Intel as manufacturer and foundry, dual-channel memory bus, DDR3 and DDR4 support, ECC memory support, and locked multipliers. Their L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB per core respectively.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The benchmark results show an extraordinarily tight competition. Across all six Cinebench tests, the Intel Xeon D-1531 wins by either 0.3% or 0%. These margins are within typical run-to-run variance, but the consistency of the D-1531's advantage is notable.
In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the D-1531 scores 656 against the E3-1545M v5's 654, a 0.3% difference. The single-core R15 test shows both processors at exactly 92, with a 0% delta. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20: the D-1531 leads 2737 to 2728 in multi-core, and 386 to 385 in single-core.
Cinebench R23 continues the trend with the D-1531 scoring 6517 in multi-core versus 6497 for the E3-1545M v5, and 920 versus 917 in single-core. Each multi-core test shows the same 0.3% delta, and single-core deltas are either 0% or 0.3%.
The nearest rival data puts these scores in context. The D-1531's average benchmark score of 1885 places it within 0.1% of the Intel Core i7-4940MX, which scores 1886. The E3-1545M v5's average of 1879 puts it within 0.1% of the Intel Processor U300 at 1881. Both processors rank at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs, indicating they occupy similar mid-range positions in overall performance.
The Verdict
The data presents a clear but narrow victory for the Intel Xeon D-1531. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks, offers a 50% core advantage, consumes less power with a 35 watt TDP versus 45 watts, and remains in active production. The average benchmark scores confirm this: 1885 for the D-1531 versus 1879 for the E3-1545M v5.
However, the magnitude of the D-1531's wins is minimal — never more than 0.3% in any test. This means the E3-1545M v5's higher clock speeds (2.90 GHz base, 3.80 GHz boost versus 2.20 GHz and 2.70 GHz) nearly compensate for its two fewer cores. For workloads that are lightly threaded, the E3-1545M v5's clock advantage is effectively neutralized, resulting in nearly identical single-core scores.
The E3-1545M v5 does have one clear differentiator: integrated Iris Pro Graphics P580. Any system requiring onboard video output must choose this processor, as the D-1531 has no integrated graphics. The E3-1545M v5 also lists a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, a specification absent from the D-1531's data sheet.
From a purchasing perspective, the D-1531 offers more cores, lower power consumption, and better benchmark scores at a launch MSRP of $348. The E3-1545M v5 launched at $679 but is now end-of-life. For server or workstation deployments where multi-threaded performance and power efficiency matter, the D-1531 is the data-supported choice. For mobile or compact systems needing integrated graphics, the E3-1545M v5 is the only option — but its end-of-life status and higher launch price should be weighed against the D-1531's active production status and lower launch price.