Intel Xeon D-1548 vs Intel Xeon D-1715TER Comparison

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Xeon D-1715TER wins every single benchmark in this head-to-head matchup, but the margins are remarkably narrow. Across all six Cinebench tests, the D-1715TER leads by no more than 0.3%, and in one test the scores are identical. This is not a rout; it is a statistical tie with a consistent, if tiny, edge for the newer part.

The largest winning margins come in the multi-core tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the D-1715TER scores 779 versus 777 for the D-1548, a 0.3% advantage. The same 0.3% delta appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the D-1715TER posts 3249 against 3239, and in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 7738 versus 7713. These results are consistent: the D-1715TER's four-core, eight-thread configuration somehow matches or slightly exceeds the D-1548's eight-core, sixteen-thread configuration in heavily threaded workloads.

Single-core performance tells a similar story. In Cinebench R15 single-core, both chips score exactly 109, a dead heat. The D-1715TER edges ahead in Cinebench R20 single-core with 458 versus 457, a 0.2% lead. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the margin is again 0.3%, with the D-1715TER scoring 1092 against 1089. The aggregate picture from the benchmark database confirms this near-parity: the D-1715TER has an average benchmark score of 2238, while the D-1548 sits at 2231, a difference of just 0.3%. Both processors occupy the 47th percentile of all CPUs, placing them in exactly the same performance tier.

# Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different eras and different design philosophies. The Intel Xeon D-1715TER is built on Ice Lake-D architecture using a 10 nm process node, while the Intel Xeon D-1548 uses Broadwell architecture on a 14 nm process. The D-1715TER belongs to the Ice Lake generation, whereas the D-1548 is part of the Broadwell-DE generation. This generational gap explains how the newer chip achieves comparable or better results with half the cores.

Core and thread counts diverge sharply. The D-1715TER has 4 cores and 8 threads; the D-1548 doubles that to 8 cores and 16 threads. Cache layouts also differ fundamentally. The D-1715TER offers 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 10 MB of shared L3 cache. The D-1548 provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 1.5 MB of L3 per core. The D-1715TER's larger per-core L2 and shared L3 cache help compensate for its lower core count in memory-heavy workloads.

Clock speeds tell a more complex story. The D-1715TER has a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. The D-1548 lists a base clock of 2000.00 MHz — which is unusual formatting but represents 2.00 GHz — and a boost of 2.60 GHz. The D-1715TER therefore has both a higher base and a significantly higher boost clock, which directly explains its single-core advantage despite the core deficit.

Memory architecture also differs. The D-1715TER supports DDR4 memory over a triple-channel bus with a rated memory bandwidth of 64.0 GB/s. The D-1548 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, with no memory bandwidth figure listed in the data. Both chips support ECC memory, making them suitable for reliable server operation. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the D-1715TER provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes, while the D-1548 offers Gen 3 with 24 lanes. The newer chip has faster lanes but fewer of them.

Process node details favor the D-1715TER's modern design. The D-1548 has a transistor count of 3,200 million and a die size of 246 mm². The D-1715TER's transistor count and die size are not listed, but the 10 nm process implies a denser, more power-efficient design. Thermal design power tells a nuanced story: the D-1715TER is rated at 50 W TDP, while the D-1548 is rated at 45 W. The newer chip draws slightly more power but delivers comparable performance with half the cores, indicating substantial architectural efficiency gains.

Sockets differ entirely. The D-1715TER uses Intel BGA 2227, while the D-1548 uses Intel BGA 1667. These are not interchangeable platforms. The D-1715TER was released on 2022-02-23, while the D-1548 launched on 2015-10-31, a gap of over six years. Both chips remain in active production status.

# Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon D-1715TER wins everywhere in the benchmark data, but the practical meaning of those wins depends on workload characteristics. For any single-threaded application, the D-1715TER's higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz against the D-1548's 2.60 GHz provides a clear advantage, even if the Cinebench single-core deltas are only 0.2% to 0.3%. The newer chip's triple-channel memory bus and 64.0 GB/s bandwidth also give it an edge in memory-bandwidth-sensitive tasks, though the benchmark suite here does not directly measure memory throughput.

The Intel Xeon D-1548's strongest case is theoretical rather than benchmark-proven. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it has double the parallel execution resources of the D-1715TER. In workloads that scale perfectly with core count — such as certain database operations, virtualization hosts running many small VMs, or heavily parallel compilation tasks — the D-1548's core advantage should matter. Yet the Cinebench multi-core results show the D-1715TER matching or slightly beating it, suggesting that the D-1548's older Broadwell architecture cannot fully exploit its extra cores. The D-1548 also offers more PCIe lanes at 24 versus 16, which could benefit systems with many expansion cards or NVMe drives, albeit at Gen 3 speeds rather than Gen 4.

For power-constrained deployments, the D-1548's 45 W TDP versus the D-1715TER's 50 W TDP gives it a small efficiency edge in raw thermal output. The D-1548 also supports DDR3 memory, which could be an advantage in legacy systems where DDR3 is already installed or cheaper. The D-1715TER's triple-channel DDR4 support and higher bandwidth, however, make it the better choice for memory-heavy modern workloads.

# FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1715TER wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 779 vs 777 in R15, 3249 vs 3239 in R20, and 7738 vs 7713 in R23, each by a 0.3% margin.

Q: How do the single-core scores compare?

A: The D-1715TER wins or ties every single-core test. In Cinebench R15, both score exactly 109. In R20, the D-1715TER scores 458 vs 457 (0.2% lead). In R23, it scores 1092 vs 1089 (0.3% lead).

Q: Why does the 4-core D-1715TER match the 8-core D-1548?

A: The D-1715TER uses newer Ice Lake architecture on a 10 nm process, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and boost of 3.50 GHz. The D-1548 uses older Broadwell on 14 nm with a 2.00 GHz base and 2.60 GHz boost. Higher clocks and architectural efficiency compensate for the core deficit.

Q: Which chip supports faster memory?

A: The D-1715TER supports DDR4 over a triple-channel bus with 64.0 GB/s bandwidth. The D-1548 supports DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, with no bandwidth figure listed.

Q: What are the TDP ratings?

A: The D-1715TER has a TDP of 50 W. The D-1548 has a TDP of 45 W. The older chip draws 5 W less despite having twice the cores.

Q: Do both support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the D-1715TER and the D-1548 support ECC memory, making both suitable for server and workstation use.

# Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon D-1715TER | Intel Xeon D-1548 |

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

| Cores | 4 | 8 |

| Threads | 8 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.40 GHz | 2000.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.60 GHz |

| TDP | 50 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2227 | Intel BGA 1667 |

| Architecture | Ice Lake | Broadwell |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Transistors | Not listed | 3,200 million |

| Die Size | Not listed | 246 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 10 MB (shared) | 1.5 MB (per core) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Triple-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 64.0 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 Lanes | Gen 3, 24 Lanes |

| Release Date | 2022-02-23 | 2015-10-31 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $555 |

| Part Number | SRLBX | SR2DJ |

# The Verdict

The benchmark data delivers a clear verdict: the Intel Xeon D-1715TER is the better processor. It wins all six Cinebench comparisons, even if the margins are narrow. The average benchmark score of 2238 versus 2231 confirms an overall edge. For any workload measured in this database, the D-1715TER leads.

The case for the D-1548 rests on specifications rather than demonstrated performance. It has twice the cores and threads, more PCIe lanes, and a lower TDP. It also supports DDR3 memory and carries a launch MSRP of $555, which may appeal in cost-sensitive legacy deployments. However, those advantages do not translate into benchmark wins. The D-1715TER's newer architecture, higher clock speeds, and faster memory subsystem overcome the core deficit in every test.

Users who prioritize single-threaded responsiveness, memory bandwidth, or modern PCIe Gen 4 connectivity should choose the D-1715TER without hesitation. Users who need maximum core count for highly parallel, non-Cinebench workloads might consider the D-1548, but the data suggests its extra cores deliver no measurable benefit in rendering benchmarks. The D-1715TER is the recommended choice for new deployments, while the D-1548 remains a viable option only for systems requiring its specific socket, DDR3 compatibility, or lower power envelope.