Intel Xeon D-1557 vs Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 Comparison

Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 and Intel Xeon D-1557 are both server-class Intel processors, but they target different deployment scenarios. The recorded benchmark data shows the E3-1285 v6 winning all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, yet the D-1557 counters with triple the core count and a much lower TDP. The database places the E3-1285 v6 at the 48th percentile and the D-1557 at the 47th percentile, so their overall performance is close, but the workload profile differs sharply.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 wins every recorded benchmark test in this comparison. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 818 against 795, a 2.9% lead. In single-core R15, it posts 115 versus 112, a 2.7% edge. The R20 tests show the same pattern: multi-core 3409 against 3314 (2.9% ahead), and single-core 481 against 467 (3% ahead). The R23 results continue the trend with multi-core 8119 versus 7892 (2.9%) and single-core 1146 versus 1114 (2.9%). The E3-1285 v6 wins all six tests, with deltas ranging from 2.7% to 3%.

Where the D-1557 wins is not in raw score but in efficiency and density. It packs 12 cores and 24 threads into a 45 W TDP, while the E3-1285 v6 uses 79 W for 4 cores and 8 threads. The D-1557 also offers 24 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, versus 16 lanes on the E3-1285 v6. For workloads that scale across many threads, such as virtualization or network appliances, the D-1557’s core count is the advantage, even if the recorded Cinebench numbers do not reflect a victory.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different Intel architectures. The E3-1285 v6 is Kaby Lake-DT, built on the 14 nm process with 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 160 mm². It uses a shared 8 MB L3 cache, with 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core. The D-1557 is Broadwell-DE, also on 14 nm, but with 3,200 million transistors and a 246 mm² die. Its L3 cache is 1.5 MB per core, which totals 18 MB across 12 cores, though the database lists it per-core rather than shared.

The socket situation is a major differentiator. The E3-1285 v6 fits Intel Socket 1151, a conventional LGA platform. The D-1557 uses Intel BGA 1667, meaning it is soldered to the board, not socketed. This makes the D-1557 a system-on-chip style part for embedded or compact server builds, while the E3-1285 v6 can be swapped on a standard motherboard.

Memory support also differs. The E3-1285 v6 supports DDR4 only, dual-channel. The D-1557 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel. Both support ECC memory, which is critical for server reliability. The E3-1285 v6 includes integrated HD Graphics P630, while the D-1557 has no integrated graphics at all. The D-1557’s release date is earlier, February 2016, while the E3-1285 v6 arrived in July 2017.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split. For single-threaded or lightly threaded tasks, the E3-1285 v6 is the stronger choice. Its boost clock reaches 4.50 GHz versus the D-1557’s 2.10 GHz, and it leads in every single-core benchmark by roughly 3%. If you need a socketed CPU with integrated graphics for a workstation-style server, the E3-1285 v6 is the pick.

For multi-threaded throughput in a power-constrained chassis, the D-1557 is the better fit. It has 12 cores and 24 threads at 45 W, which is nearly half the TDP of the E3-1285 v6. It also provides more PCIe lanes, 24 versus 16, which helps in storage or networking appliances. The D-1557’s BGA package means it is not upgradeable, but it is designed for embedded longevity. The recorded multi-core scores are close, with the E3-1285 v6 ahead by only 2.9%, so the D-1557’s extra cores do not translate into a win in Cinebench, but the efficiency and lane count are decisive for certain server roles.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher single-core score?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 wins all single-core tests. In Cinebench R15, it scores 115 versus 112; in R20, 481 versus 467; in R23, 1146 versus 1114. The lead is consistent at about 3%.

Q: Does the D-1557 have more cores, and does that help it win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, the D-1557 has 12 cores and 24 threads, triple the cores of the E3-1285 v6. However, it does not win any recorded benchmark in this comparison. The E3-1285 v6 leads in multi-core R15 (818 versus 795), R20 (3409 versus 3314), and R23 (8119 versus 7892), all by 2.9%.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The E3-1285 v6 has a TDP of 79 W, while the D-1557 is rated at 45 W. The D-1557 delivers more cores at a lower power draw, making it more efficient for dense deployments.

Q: Can I use the same motherboard for both CPUs?

A: No. The E3-1285 v6 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the D-1557 uses Intel BGA 1667, which is a soldered package. The two are not interchangeable.

Q: Do both support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory. The E3-1285 v6 supports DDR4 only, while the D-1557 supports both DDR3 and DDR4.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: Only the E3-1285 v6 has integrated graphics, specifically HD Graphics P630. The D-1557 has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU or a board with its own display output for video.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest win for the E3-1285 v6 comes in single-core R20, where it scores 481 against 467, a 3% delta. That is the largest percentage lead in the dataset. Every other test shows a 2.9% edge for the E3-1285 v6, except R15 single-core which is 2.7%. The multi-core results are remarkably consistent: R15 (818 versus 795), R20 (3409 versus 3314), and R23 (8119 versus 7892) all show the same 2.9% gap.

The D-1557’s best showing is in R15 single-core, where it trails by only 2.7% (112 versus 115). That is its narrowest deficit. In absolute terms, the largest raw score difference is in R23 multi-core, where the E3-1285 v6 leads by 227 points (8119 versus 7892). The smallest absolute gap is in R15 single-core, 3 points (115 versus 112).

These numbers indicate that the E3-1285 v6’s higher clock speed, 4.10 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost, overcomes the D-1557’s core advantage in Cinebench. The D-1557’s boost clock is 2.10 GHz, and its base clock is reported as 1500.00 MHz, which is likely a typo in the database but the data shows a lower frequency. The benchmark results suggest the workload does not scale well enough on the D-1557 to offset the per-core performance gap.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in nearly every measurable specification. The E3-1285 v6 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the D-1557 has 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks are 4.10 GHz versus 1500.00 MHz (as recorded), and boost clocks are 4.50 GHz versus 2.10 GHz. TDP is 79 W versus 45 W. The E3-1285 v6 uses Socket 1151, the D-1557 uses BGA 1667.

Cache layouts diverge: the E3-1285 v6 has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 8 MB shared L3. The D-1557 has the same L1 and L2 per core, but its L3 is 1.5 MB per core, which is larger in total. Transistor count is 1,400 million for the E3-1285 v6 and 3,200 million for the D-1557. Die size is 160 mm² versus 246 mm². The D-1557 supports DDR3 and DDR4, the E3-1285 v6 only DDR4. PCIe lanes are 16 on the E3-1285 v6 and 24 on the D-1557. Integrated graphics are present only on the E3-1285 v6. Release dates are July 2017 for the E3-1285 v6 and February 2016 for the D-1557. The D-1557 has a launch MSRP of $694, which can be stated as its listed launch price.