Intel Xeon D-1531 vs Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 Comparison

Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 and Intel Xeon D-1531 are both server/workstation processors from Intel, but they target different physical and architectural realities. The E3-1575M v5 is a Skylake-H part with 4 cores and 8 threads, while the D-1531 is a Broadwell-DE part with 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite the core count disadvantage, the E3-1575M v5 wins every single benchmark in the database, though by remarkably slim margins. The data shows a consistent pattern: the E3-1575M v5 leads all six Cinebench tests, with deltas ranging from 1.1% to 1.4%. This suggests that clock speed and architecture efficiency outweigh the D-1531's extra two cores in these workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is that the E3-1575M v5 wins every recorded benchmark, but never by more than 1.4%. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the E3-1575M v5 scores 665 against 656 for the D-1531, a 1.4% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows 93 versus 92, a 1.1% lead. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20: multicore scores are 2774 for the E3-1575M v5 against 2737 for the D-1531 (1.4% delta), and single-core is 391 versus 386 (1.3% delta). The newest test, Cinebench R23, follows the same trend with multicore at 6607 versus 6517 (1.4%) and single-core at 932 versus 920 (1.3%).

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Across all six tests, the E3-1575M v5 maintains a lead between 1.1% and 1.4%, with no test where the D-1531 closes the gap or flips the result. The largest single delta is 1.4%, appearing in all three multicore tests. The smallest is 1.1% in R15 single-core. Averaged across the benchmark suite, the E3-1575M v5's advantage is just over 1.2%, which is small but uniform.

What this means in practice: the D-1531's two additional cores do not translate into a win in Cinebench. The E3-1575M v5 compensates with a base clock of 3.00 GHz and boost of 3.90 GHz, compared to 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost for the D-1531. That clock advantage, combined with Skylake's newer architecture, offsets the core deficit. The average benchmark scores in the database confirm this: the E3-1575M v5 averages 1910, while the D-1531 averages 1885, a difference of 25 points or roughly 1.3%.

Rival comparisons reinforce the picture. The E3-1575M v5's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE, matches its average score of 1910 exactly (0% delta). The D-1531, meanwhile, sits next to the Intel Core i7-4940MX at 1886 (a -0.1% delta for the Xeon D). These are different competitor pools, but the gap between the two Xeons is consistent with their head-to-head results.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different microarchitectures and process nodes, though both are 14 nm. The E3-1575M v5 uses Skylake-H, a mobile-oriented design with a die size of 171 mm² and 2,300 million transistors. The D-1531 is Broadwell-DE, a system-on-chip for dense servers, with a larger die of 246 mm² and 3,200 million transistors. Despite the larger transistor count, the D-1531 consumes less power: 35 W TDP versus 45 W TDP for the E3-1575M v5.

Cache layouts differ significantly. Both have 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core. The L3 cache, however, is organized differently: the E3-1575M v5 has 8 MB shared, while the D-1531 provides 1.5 MB per core. With 6 cores, the D-1531's total L3 is effectively 9 MB, but it is partitioned rather than shared. This is a notable architectural distinction that can affect how each chip handles multi-threaded workloads.

Memory support is identical in type: both accept DDR3 and DDR4, with dual-channel buses and ECC support. The E3-1575M v5 lists a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the D-1531 has no recorded bandwidth figure in the database. PCIe connectivity differs: the E3-1575M v5 provides 16 Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the D-1531 offers 24 Gen 3 lanes (CPU only). This gives the D-1531 more headroom for expansion in a server context.

Integrated graphics is a major split. The E3-1575M v5 includes Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the D-1531 has no integrated graphics at all. The E3-1575M v5 also targets a different socket, Intel BGA 1440, versus Intel BGA 1667 for the D-1531. Both are soldered, but they are not interchangeable. Production status differs too: the E3-1575M v5 is end-of-life, while the D-1531 remains active.

Release dates are close: the E3-1575M v5 launched on 2016-01-23, while the D-1531 came slightly earlier on 2015-10-31. The launch MSRP is $1207 for the E3-1575M v5 and $348 for the D-1531, though pricing is not a focus of this analysis.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the benchmark data, the E3-1575M v5 wins every recorded test, so the use-case split comes down to margins and context rather than outright victories. The E3-1575M v5 is the pick for single-threaded performance: it leads by 1.1% to 1.3% in all three single-core tests. For workloads that rely on one or two threads, such as legacy applications or lightly threaded server tasks, the E3-1575M v5's higher clocks (3.00 GHz base, 3.90 GHz boost) give it a consistent edge.

The multicore results also favor the E3-1575M v5, but the margin is narrow. All three multicore tests show a 1.4% lead for the E3-1575M v5. This is surprising given the D-1531 has 6 cores and 12 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads. The data suggests that the E3-1575M v5's Skylake architecture and clock speed are more impactful than the D-1531's core count in Cinebench. For heavily threaded rendering, the D-1531 does not close the gap, but the difference is small enough that other factors, like power draw or system integration, could tip a decision.

The D-1531 wins in efficiency and expansion. Its 35 W TDP is 10 W lower than the E3-1575M v5's 45 W, making it more suitable for dense, power-constrained server deployments. It also offers 24 PCIe lanes versus 16, which is valuable for systems with many NVMe drives or network cards. The D-1531 has no integrated graphics, which is expected in a server part where a discrete GPU or ASPEED controller handles display output.

The E3-1575M v5 has a clear advantage in graphics capability, thanks to Iris Pro Graphics P580. This makes it a better fit for workstation tasks that need basic display output or Quick Sync without a discrete GPU. The D-1531, lacking integrated graphics, requires a separate GPU for any video output.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-core Cinebench tests?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 wins all three single-core tests: R15 at 93 versus 92, R20 at 391 versus 386, and R23 at 932 versus 920. The lead ranges from 1.1% to 1.3%.

Q: Does the D-1531's 6-core advantage help in multicore benchmarks?

A: No. The E3-1575M v5 wins all three multicore tests (R15: 665 vs 656, R20: 2774 vs 2737, R23: 6607 vs 6517), each by 1.4%. The extra two cores do not translate into a win.

Q: What are the TDP differences between the two?

A: The D-1531 has a 35 W TDP, while the E3-1575M v5 has a 45 W TDP. The D-1531 draws 10 W less, making it more power-efficient.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory, and both accept DDR3 and DDR4 in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: Only the E3-1575M v5 has integrated graphics, specifically Iris Pro Graphics P580. The D-1531 has no integrated graphics.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The E3-1575M v5 averages 1910, while the D-1531 averages 1885. That is a 25-point difference, or about 1.3%.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several recorded specifications. Core count is 4 for the E3-1575M v5 versus 6 for the D-1531, and threads are 8 versus 12. Base clocks are 3.00 GHz versus 2.20 GHz, and boost clocks are 3.90 GHz versus 2.70 GHz, favoring the E3-1575M v5. TDP is 45 W for the E3-1575M v5 and 35 W for the D-1531.

Socket types differ: the E3-1575M v5 uses Intel BGA 1440, while the D-1531 uses Intel BGA 1667. Architecture is Skylake for the E3-1575M v5 and Broadwell for the D-1531, with codenames Skylake-H and Broadwell respectively. The process node is 14 nm for both, but transistor counts differ: 2,300 million for the E3-1575M v5 and 3,200 million for the D-1531. Die size is 171 mm² versus 246 mm².

Cache layout differs: the E3-1575M v5 has 8 MB shared L3, while the D-1531 has 1.5 MB per core L3. Memory bandwidth is 34.1 GB/s for the E3-1575M v5, with no recorded figure for the D-1531. PCIe lanes are 16 for the E3-1575M v5 and 24 for the D-1531. Integrated graphics is present on the E3-1575M v5 (Iris Pro Graphics P580) and absent on the D-1531. Production status is end-of-life for the E3-1575M v5 and active for the D-1531. Release dates are 2016-01-23 for the E3-1575M v5 and 2015-10-31 for the D-1531. Launch MSRP is $1207 for the E3-1575M v5 and $348 for the D-1531.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 outperforms the Intel Xeon D-1531 in every benchmark recorded, with a 1.1% to 1.4% lead across all six Cinebench tests. The E3-1575M v5 is the faster CPU for both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, despite having fewer cores. Its higher base and boost clocks, combined with the newer Skylake architecture, overcome the D-1531's 6-core advantage. The average benchmark score of 1910 versus 1885 confirms this overall superiority.

For builders who prioritize raw performance, the E3-1575M v5 is the clear choice. It also offers integrated graphics, which is a functional advantage for systems without a discrete GPU. However, the E3-1575M v5 is end-of-life, which may matter for long-term availability.

The D-1531 is not without merit. Its 35 W TDP is 10 W lower, making it a better fit for power-sensitive server deployments. It also provides 24 PCIe lanes versus 16, which is beneficial for high I/O systems. The D-1531 remains active in production, suggesting ongoing availability. Its lack of integrated graphics is a non-issue in most server scenarios.

In short, pick the E3-1575M v5 for maximum benchmark performance and integrated graphics. Pick the D-1531 for lower power consumption, more PCIe lanes, and active production status. The performance gap is small enough that these secondary factors can legitimately decide the choice.