Intel Xeon D-1557 vs Intel Xeon E5-2629 v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-2629 v3 and Intel Xeon D-1557 deliver virtually identical benchmark performance, with the E5-2629 v3 winning all six head-to-head comparisons by a combined margin of just 3 points across every Cinebench test. Both processors sit at the 47th percentile of all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are 2283 and 2282 respectively, making them effectively interchangeable in raw compute throughput. The E5-2629 v3 is the pick for systems requiring a replaceable socket (Socket 2011-3) and higher boost clocks, while the D-1557 is the pick for dense, power-constrained deployments where its 45 W TDP and 12-core count matter more than the negligible performance delta.

The Verdict

The data presents an unusual case: two processors from different architectures and generations that produce nearly identical Cinebench results. The E5-2629 v3 edges out the D-1557 in every single benchmark, but the largest margin is 1 point in Cinebench R20 multi-core (3315 vs 3314) and R23 multi-core (7893 vs 7892). In R15 multi-core, R15 single-core, R20 single-core, and R23 single-core, the scores are exactly equal at 795, 112, 467, and 1114 respectively. This means the E5-2629 v3 is technically the faster processor, but the difference is statistically meaningless for real-world workloads.

Choose the E5-2629 v3 if your system requires a socketed processor with 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, quad-channel memory support, and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. It is end-of-life, so availability is the primary constraint. Choose the D-1557 if your priority is a 45 W TDP (vs 85 W), an active production status, and a 12-core/24-thread configuration that offers more parallel hardware threads even though benchmark scores are identical. The D-1557 also has a launch MSRP of $694, which can be stated as a point of reference.

Architecture Differences

The E5-2629 v3 is built on the Haswell-EP architecture using a 22 nm process node, containing 2,600 million transistors on a 356 mm² die. The D-1557 uses the Broadwell architecture on a 14 nm node, packing 3,200 million transistors into a smaller 246 mm² die. This represents a significant manufacturing advantage for the D-1557: more transistors in a smaller area, which explains its dramatically lower power draw.

Cache organization differs substantially. The E5-2629 v3 has 20 MB of shared L3 cache, while the D-1557 allocates 1.5 MB of L3 per core (totaling 18 MB across its 12 cores). Both have identical L1 (64 KB per core) and L2 (256 KB per core) configurations. The D-1557 uses a dual-channel memory bus, whereas the E5-2629 v3 supports quad-channel memory with a rated bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The D-1557 does not have a listed memory bandwidth figure in the data, so its throughput is unknown but architecturally limited by fewer channels.

The E5-2629 v3 provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), while the D-1557 offers 24 lanes. Both support DDR3 and DDR4 memory with ECC. The E5-2629 v3 uses Intel Socket 2011-3, a replaceable socket, while the D-1557 is soldered to Intel BGA 1667, making it a board-integrated solution. The E5-2629 v3 has an unlocked multiplier? No, both processors have locked multipliers.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a tie across the board, with the E5-2629 v3 winning by 0% margins in most tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, both score exactly 795 points. In R15 single-core, both score 112 points. The R20 multi-core test is the closest race: 3315 for the E5-2629 v3 versus 3314 for the D-1557, a 0% delta that falls within measurement noise. R20 single-core is again identical at 467 points.

R23 multi-core shows the E5-2629 v3 ahead by 1 point (7893 vs 7892), and R23 single-core is tied at 1114. Across all six tests, the cumulative score difference is 3 points out of a total of 22,483 combined points, or roughly 0.013%. This is a rounding error in benchmarking terms, and the deltaPct values in the nearestRivals data confirm that both processors are considered equal: the E5-2629 v3 lists the D-1557 with a 0% delta, and the D-1557 lists the E5-2629 v3 with a 0% delta.

The nearestRivals data places both processors in the same performance tier. The E5-2629 v3 is 0.8% ahead of the Intel Core i3-10305 and 0.9% behind the Intel Core i5-10400H. The D-1557 is also 0.8% ahead of the Core i3-10305 and 1% behind the Intel Core i7-1068NG7. Neither processor is more than 1.1% away from its closest competitors, indicating that the entire group is tightly clustered around the 47th percentile.

Specification Differences

The table below highlights only the fields where the two processors differ:

| Specification | Intel Xeon E5-2629 v3 | Intel Xeon D-1557 |

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

| Cores | 8 | 12 |

| Threads | 16 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 2.40 GHz | 1500.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.20 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| TDP | 85 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | Intel BGA 1667 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Broadwell |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 14 nm |

| Transistors | 2,600 million | 3,200 million |

| Die Size | 356 mm² | 246 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 1.5 MB (per core) |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe Lanes | 40 (Gen 3) | 24 (Gen 3) |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2014-09-07 | 2016-02-23 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $694 |

| Part Number | SR1XY | SR2M4 |

The D-1557 has 50% more cores and threads but runs at a much lower clock speed: a base of 1500.00 MHz and boost of 2.10 GHz versus 2.40 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost for the E5-2629 v3. The D-1557’s 45 W TDP is nearly half the E5-2629 v3’s 85 W, making it a far more efficient part. The E5-2629 v3 has a larger shared L3 cache (20 MB vs effectively 18 MB), more PCIe lanes, and quad-channel memory. The D-1557 is the newer part (released 2016-02-23 vs 2014-09-07) and remains active in production, while the E5-2629 v3 is end-of-life.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher single-core performance?

A: Both are exactly tied in single-core tests. Cinebench R15 single-core scores are 112 for both, R20 single-core scores are 467 for both, and R23 single-core scores are 1114 for both.

Q: Is the E5-2629 v3 faster than the D-1557 in multi-core workloads?

A: Technically yes, but by a negligible amount. The E5-2629 v3 wins R15 multi-core by 0 points (795 vs 795), R20 multi-core by 1 point (3315 vs 3314), and R23 multi-core by 1 point (7893 vs 7892). These differences are within measurement error.

Q: Why does the D-1557 have more cores but the same performance?

A: The D-1557 has 12 cores and 24 threads versus 8 cores and 16 threads for the E5-2629 v3, but its base clock of 1500.00 MHz and boost of 2.10 GHz are much lower than the E5-2629 v3’s 2.40 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost. The higher clock speeds of the E5-2629 v3 compensate for its fewer cores, resulting in a performance tie.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The D-1557, with a 45 W TDP compared to the E5-2629 v3’s 85 W. This is a 40 W difference, making the D-1557 more suitable for power-constrained environments.

Q: Can I upgrade the D-1557 in the future?

A: No, the D-1557 uses Intel BGA 1667, which is a soldered socket. The E5-2629 v3 uses Intel Socket 2011-3, which is a replaceable socket, allowing for CPU swaps.

Q: Which processor has better memory bandwidth?

A: The E5-2629 v3, which supports quad-channel memory with a rated bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The D-1557 uses dual-channel memory and has no listed bandwidth figure in the data.

Where Each One Wins

The E5-2629 v3 wins in every benchmark category, but the margins are so small that the wins are symbolic rather than practical. Its real advantages lie in platform characteristics: quad-channel memory with a rated 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and a socketed design that allows for field replacement. This makes it the better choice for systems that need maximum memory throughput or expansion capability, or where the CPU might need to be serviced or upgraded. Its higher boost clock of 3.20 GHz also gives it a theoretical edge in lightly threaded tasks, though the benchmark data shows no actual difference in single-core scores.

The D-1557 wins in efficiency and density. Its 45 W TDP is nearly half the E5-2629 v3’s 85 W, making it ideal for compact, fanless, or passively cooled systems where heat dissipation is a challenge. It has 12 cores versus 8, which provides more hardware threads for highly parallel workloads, even if Cinebench scores don’t reflect an advantage. It is also an active production part, meaning it is still available for new designs, whereas the E5-2629 v3 is end-of-life. The D-1557’s smaller die size (246 mm² vs 356 mm²) and newer 14 nm process node suggest better thermal characteristics per watt, and its integrated BGA package reduces overall system footprint.

For a server rack with ample cooling and a need for high memory bandwidth, the E5-2629 v3 is the defensible choice. For edge computing, network appliances, or storage servers where power draw and physical space are at a premium, the D-1557 is the clear winner despite its benchmark parity.