Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 vs Intel Xeon E3-1515M v5 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 and Intel Xeon E3-1515M v5 are both Skylake-generation server/workstation processors, yet they target fundamentally different physical platforms. The E3-1225 v5 is a socketed desktop-style chip for Intel Socket 1151, while the E3-1515M v5 is a mobile-class BGA 1440 part. Despite this, benchmark results place them in almost the same performance tier, with the E3-1225 v5 holding a consistent, albeit narrow, edge across every Cinebench test. The data shows a 0.6% average benchmark score difference, making the choice between them less about raw compute and more about platform fit, power envelope, and integrated graphics capability.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The E3-1225 v5 wins all six head-to-head Cinebench comparisons, but the margins are razor-thin. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E3-1225 v5 scores 510 against the E3-1515M v5's 507, a 0.6% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows the largest gap: 72 versus 71, a 1.4% lead for the socketed part. This pattern repeats in newer workloads; Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 2127 versus 2115 (0.6%), and R20 single-core shows 300 versus 298 (0.7%). The R23 results continue the trend, with the E3-1225 v5 posting 5065 versus 5036 in multi-core and 715 versus 711 in single-core, both 0.6% ahead.

These margins are almost within run-to-run variance, but the consistency across all six tests suggests a genuine, if small, architectural efficiency advantage for the E3-1225 v5. The E3-1225 v5's higher 3.30 GHz base clock versus the E3-1515M v5's 2.80 GHz likely contributes to the single-core wins, while both parts boost to the same 3.70 GHz ceiling. Interestingly, the E3-1515M v5 has eight threads to the E3-1225 v5's four, yet it still loses the multi-core tests. This indicates that the E3-1225 v5's higher base frequency and possibly better sustained power delivery overcome the E3-1515M v5's hyper-threading advantage in these particular workloads.

Looking at the broader competitive landscape, both processors sit at the 38th percentile of all CPUs. The E3-1225 v5's average benchmark score is 1465, placing it 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i3-7350K (1462) and 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE (1461). It trails the Intel Core i7-4710HQ (1473) by 0.5%. The E3-1515M v5, with an average score of 1456, is 0.3% behind the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE and 0.4% behind the Core i3-7350K, while leading the Intel Core i5-7300HQ (1448) and AMD Opteron 6378 (1447) by 0.6% each. The two Xeons are effectively interchangeable in raw performance, differing by only 0.6% in average score.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core Cinebench tests?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 wins every multi-core test, but by less than 1%. It scores 510 versus 507 in R15, 2127 versus 2115 in R20, and 5065 versus 5036 in R23, each a 0.6% advantage.

Q: Does the E3-1515M v5's extra threads help it win any benchmark?

A: No. Despite having 8 threads to the E3-1225 v5's 4, the E3-1515M v5 loses all six head-to-head Cinebench comparisons. The E3-1225 v5's 3.30 GHz base clock appears to outweigh the thread count advantage.

Q: How do these chips compare to common rivals?

A: Both are near the Intel Core i3-7350K and AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE. The E3-1225 v5 is 0.2% and 0.3% ahead of those two, respectively. The E3-1515M v5 is 0.4% and 0.3% behind them.

Q: What is the biggest performance difference between the two?

A: The largest gap is in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the E3-1225 v5 leads by 1.4% (72 versus 71). All other deltas are between 0.6% and 0.7%.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory and PCIe features?

A: Yes. Both support DDR3 and DDR4 memory with dual-channel buses and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. Both also provide Gen 3 PCIe with 16 lanes (CPU only) and support ECC memory.

Q: Which chip has the better integrated graphics?

A: The E3-1515M v5 features Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the E3-1225 v5 has HD Graphics P530. The benchmark data does not include graphics comparisons, so relative GPU performance is not measured here.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process, but they are distinct dies. The E3-1225 v5 uses the Skylake-DT (desktop) die, measuring 122 mm² with 1,750 million transistors. The E3-1515M v5 uses the larger Skylake-H (mobile) die, measuring 171 mm² with 2,300 million transistors. The larger mobile die accommodates the more powerful Iris Pro Graphics P580, whereas the desktop part uses the lighter HD Graphics P530.

Core and cache configurations are similar: each has 4 physical cores, 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The key difference is threading — the E3-1225 v5 has 4 threads, while the E3-1515M v5 has 8 threads. Clock speeds differ in the base frequency (3.30 GHz versus 2.80 GHz) but match at the 3.70 GHz boost. The E3-1515M v5 compensates for its lower base clock with a dramatically lower 45 W TDP, compared to the E3-1225 v5's 80 W TDP. This makes the E3-1515M v5 a more power-efficient part, likely intended for compact or mobile workstation platforms.

The socket difference is fundamental: the E3-1225 v5 is a socketed Intel Socket 1151 part (part number SR2LJ), while the E3-1515M v5 is soldered (Intel BGA 1440, part number SR2QT). This means the E3-1225 v5 can be swapped or upgraded in a compatible motherboard, whereas the E3-1515M v5 is permanently attached to its board. Both are end-of-life products, with the E3-1225 v5 released in October 2015 and the E3-1515M v5 in January 2016.

The Verdict

For users building or upgrading a socketed workstation, the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 is the clear choice. It wins every benchmark by a small margin, offers a higher base clock, and can be installed in a standard Socket 1151 motherboard. Its 80 W TDP is manageable with a capable air cooler, and the HD Graphics P530 is sufficient for basic display output.

The Intel Xeon E3-1515M v5 makes sense for embedded or mobile workstation designs where the 45 W TDP is critical. Its lower power draw is a significant advantage in thermally constrained chassis, and the Iris Pro Graphics P580 provides substantially more integrated graphics capability — a benefit if the system relies on the iGPU for accelerated workloads. However, the data shows no compute advantage; it is 0.6% slower on average and loses all multi-core tests despite having twice the threads.

The E3-1225 v5 is the better pure CPU. The E3-1515M v5's appeal is entirely in its platform efficiency and superior integrated graphics, not its processing power. Anyone choosing the E3-1515M v5 must be doing so for the BGA form factor and power budget, not for performance, since the benchmark data indicates it is marginally slower in every measured workload.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 | Intel Xeon E3-1515M v5 |

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

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.30 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| TDP | 80 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel BGA 1440 |

| Codename | Skylake-DT | Skylake-H |

| Transistors | 1,750 million | 2,300 million |

| Die Size | 122 mm² | 171 mm² |

| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics P530 | Iris Pro Graphics P580 |

| Release Date | 2015-10-18 | 2016-01-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $224 | $489 |

| Part Number | SR2LJ | SR2QT |

The two chips share identical core counts, L1/L2/L3 cache sizes, memory support (DDR3/DDR4, dual-channel, 34.1 GB/s), ECC support, PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), and unlocked multiplier status (both locked). Both are Skylake architecture, server/workstation segment, and end-of-life production status. The E3-1225 v5 has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the E3-1515M v5 has 4 cores and 8 threads. The E3-1225 v5 boosts to the same 3.70 GHz as the E3-1515M v5, but starts from a higher 3.30 GHz base. The E3-1515M v5's larger die accommodates the Iris Pro Graphics P580 and 550 million additional transistors, at the cost of a 49 mm² larger die area. The E3-1225 v5 launched at $224, while the E3-1515M v5 launched at $489.