Intel Xeon D-1557 vs Intel Xeon E-2226GE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2226GE wins every single recorded test against the Intel Xeon D-1557. Across all six Cinebench workloads, the E-2226GE holds a consistent 3.6% advantage. This uniformity is striking; the delta is identical in both single-core and multi-core tests, indicating a systematic performance edge rather than workload-specific behavior.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2226GE scores 824 against 795 for the D-1557, a 3.6% lead. The single-core R15 result shows the same picture: 116 versus 112. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 3434 for the E-2226GE versus 3314 for the D-1557, and single-core is 484 versus 467. The largest absolute gap appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the E-2226GE reaches 8177 and the D-1557 trails at 7892. Even in R23 single-core, the pattern holds: 1154 versus 1114.

What makes this result notable is the hardware disparity. The D-1557 has twice the cores (12 versus 6) and four times the threads (24 versus 6), yet it cannot overcome the clock speed and architectural advantages of the E-2226GE. The D-1557's base clock is recorded as 1500.00 MHz, which is effectively 1.50 GHz, and its boost reaches only 2.10 GHz. The E-2226GE operates at a 3.40 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. In heavily multi-threaded Cinebench workloads, one might expect the 24-thread part to pull ahead, but the data shows otherwise. The recorded results indicate that the E-2226GE's per-core throughput advantage more than compensates for the D-1557's thread count.

The overall database averages reinforce this. The E-2226GE has an average benchmark score of 2365, placing it in the 48th percentile of all CPUs. The D-1557 averages 2282, sitting at the 47th percentile. The delta between their average scores is roughly 3.6%, matching the head-to-head results. Neither processor is a top-tier performer by modern standards, but the E-2226GE is consistently the faster of the two in every metric the database records.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and are built for different deployment contexts. The Xeon E-2226GE uses the Coffee Lake architecture, specifically the Coffee Lake-S WS variant, and belongs to the Xeon E (Coffee Lake) generation. It is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process with a die size of 154 mm². The Xeon D-1557 uses the older Broadwell architecture, specifically Broadwell-DE, on the same 14 nm node but with a larger die at 246 mm² and 3,200 million transistors. The E-2226GE's transistor count is not recorded in the database, but the die size difference is clear.

Core and cache layouts diverge significantly. The E-2226GE has 6 cores and 6 threads, with 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core. Its L3 cache is 12 MB shared across all cores. The D-1557 has 12 cores and 24 threads, also with 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but its L3 is organized differently: 1.5 MB per core rather than a single shared pool. This per-core L3 allocation reflects the Broadwell-DE design philosophy, prioritizing predictable cache access for many concurrent threads over the larger unified pool found in the E-2226GE.

Memory support also differs. The E-2226GE supports DDR4 only, via a dual-channel memory bus, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The D-1557 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, but its memory bandwidth is not recorded in the database. Both processors support ECC memory, which is expected for server and workstation parts.

Integrated graphics is another differentiator. The E-2226GE includes UHD Graphics P630, making it a viable option for systems that need display output without a discrete GPU. The D-1557 has no integrated graphics, so it requires a separate graphics adapter for any video output.

The platform sockets are incompatible. The E-2226GE uses Intel Socket 1151, while the D-1557 uses Intel BGA 1667, a soldered, embedded-style package. This means the D-1557 is not a drop-in upgrade path for systems designed around the E-2226GE, and vice versa.

PCIe lane counts also differ. The E-2226GE provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The D-1557 provides Gen 3 with 24 lanes. For workloads that need many expansion devices or NVMe drives, the D-1557 offers more direct CPU-attached connectivity.

The release dates reflect the generational gap. The D-1557 was released on 2016-02-23, while the E-2226GE arrived on 2019-06-10. The D-1557 remains active in production status, whereas the E-2226GE is listed as end-of-life.

Where Each One Wins

The E-2226GE wins every benchmark recorded in the database, but the nature of that win matters for real-world decisions. Its 3.6% lead across all Cinebench tests suggests that for general compute workloads, especially those that are lightly threaded or moderately threaded, the E-2226GE is the stronger choice. The high boost clock of 4.60 GHz gives it a substantial single-core advantage, and the data confirms this: in every single-core test, it outperforms the D-1557 by the same 3.6% margin.

The D-1557, despite losing every recorded benchmark, has structural advantages that the Cinebench results do not capture. Its 12 cores and 24 threads make it a candidate for workloads that scale beyond what Cinebench R23 multi-core exercises. The database records no such workloads, so the D-1557's thread advantage remains theoretical in this comparison. Its 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, versus 16 for the E-2226GE, support more expansion hardware. Its 45 W TDP is substantially lower than the E-2226GE's 80 W, which matters for dense or thermally constrained deployments. The D-1557 also supports DDR3 in addition to DDR4, which can be relevant for legacy memory inventories, though the E-2226GE's recorded 42.7 GB/s bandwidth is a concrete figure while the D-1557's is not listed.

For single-socket workstation or server tasks where per-core performance is paramount, the E-2226GE is the clear winner based on the recorded data. For high-density, low-power embedded or network appliance roles where thread count and PCIe connectivity matter more than raw Cinebench scores, the D-1557's design criteria point in its favor, though the database does not contain direct benchmark evidence for such workloads.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: 6 (E-2226GE) versus 12 (D-1557)
• Threads: 6 versus 24
• Base clock: 3.40 GHz versus 1500.00 MHz
• Boost clock: 4.60 GHz versus 2.10 GHz
• TDP: 80 W versus 45 W
• Socket: Intel Socket 1151 versus Intel BGA 1667
• Architecture: Coffee Lake versus Broadwell
• Codename: Coffee Lake-S WS versus Broadwell
• Generation: Xeon E (Coffee Lake) versus Xeon D (Broadwell-DE)
• Die size: 154 mm² versus 246 mm²
• Transistors: not recorded versus 3,200 million
• L3 cache: 12 MB shared versus 1.5 MB per core
• Memory support: DDR4 versus DDR3, DDR4
• Memory bandwidth: 42.7 GB/s versus not recorded
• PCIe lanes: 16 versus 24
• Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics P630 versus none
• Production status: End-of-life versus Active
• Release date: 2019-06-10 versus 2016-02-23
• Launch MSRP: $286 versus $694
• Part number: SRGQW versus SR2M4

Fields that are the same include manufacturer (Intel), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (true), and multiplier unlock status (false).

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2226GE scores 8177, while the Intel Xeon D-1557 scores 7892. The E-2226GE wins by 3.6%.

Q: Does the 12-core Xeon D-1557 beat the 6-core E-2226GE in any benchmark?

A: No. The database records six head-to-head Cinebench results, and the E-2226GE wins all six with a 3.6% margin each time. The D-1557 has zero wins.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The E-2226GE has a TDP of 80 W, while the D-1557 has a TDP of 45 W. The D-1557 consumes less power by specification.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the E-2226GE and the D-1557 support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the E-2226GE has integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics P630. The D-1557 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What are the launch MSRP values?

A: The E-2226GE has a launch MSRP of $286, and the D-1557 has a launch MSRP of $694.

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward conclusion for raw compute performance: the Intel Xeon E-2226GE is the faster processor. It wins every recorded Cinebench test, in both single-core and multi-core, with a consistent 3.6% margin. Its higher clock speeds, newer architecture, and 12 MB shared L3 cache deliver tangible results in the benchmarks the database tracks. It is also the lower-priced part at launch, with an MSRP of $286 versus $694 for the D-1557.

The Intel Xeon D-1557 is not without justification, but that justification lies outside the recorded benchmarks. Its 12 cores and 24 threads, 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and 45 W TDP make it a candidate for low-power, high-density, or expansion-heavy deployments. It also remains in active production, while the E-2226GE is end-of-life. However, any buyer choosing the D-1557 for its thread count must accept that on the Cinebench multi-core tests, the 6-thread E-2226GE still outperforms it. The thread advantage does not translate into a victory in the recorded data.

For a user prioritizing benchmark results, per-core speed, and lower acquisition cost, the E-2226GE is the clear pick. For a user prioritizing low power draw, more PCIe lanes, and an active production status with a higher core count, the D-1557 has structural appeal that the benchmark scores do not quantify. The database's verdict is decisive on performance: the E-2226GE wins 6 out of 6 head-to-head tests, and its average benchmark score of 2365 exceeds the D-1557's 2282.