Intel Xeon E3-1245 v5 vs Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 wins every single benchmark in this comparison, although by narrow margins. Across all six Cinebench tests, the E3-1585L v5 maintains a lead ranging from 0.7% to 1.0%, making it the consistent, if not dominant, choice in raw compute performance. The largest gap appears in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the E3-1585L v5 scores 97 against the E3-1245 v5's 96, a 1% advantage. In multi-core R15, the E3-1585L v5 posts 693 versus 687, a 0.9% edge. The R20 suite shows similar results: the E3-1585L v5 leads 2888 to 2865 in multi-core (0.8%) and 407 to 404 in single-core (0.7%). The R23 benchmarks reinforce the pattern, with the E3-1585L v5 ahead 6878 to 6822 in multi-core and 971 to 963 in single-core, both representing a 0.8% difference.

These deltas are small, but they are consistent. No benchmark flips the result, and the E3-1585L v5 holds the advantage in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The average benchmark score also favors the E3-1585L v5, which sits at 1989 compared to the E3-1245 v5's 1973. This places the two processors in the same performance tier, but with the E3-1585L v5 edging ahead. Looking at the broader database context, the E3-1585L v5's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E3-1285L v4 at an average score of 1991, a delta of -0.1%, meaning the E3-1585L v5 is effectively tied with that chip. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X also sits nearby at 1992, again a -0.1% delta. On the other side, the E3-1245 v5's closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-7600K at 1976, where the E3-1245 v5 trails by -0.2%, and the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X at 1968, where it leads by 0.2%.

The takeaway from the head-to-head section is that the E3-1585L v5 is the faster processor, but the gap is not transformative. It wins, but it does not run away with the contest. For users comparing these two directly, the performance difference will be noticeable only in tightly benchmarked workloads, not in everyday variance.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Skylake architecture and a 14 nm process node, but they diverge significantly in their physical design and integrated components. The E3-1585L v5 is built on the Skylake-H codename, while the E3-1245 v5 uses Skylake-DT. This distinction carries over into the die itself: the E3-1585L v5 packs 2,300 million transistors on a 171 mm² die, whereas the E3-1245 v5 uses 1,750 million transistors on a smaller 122 mm² die. The larger, denser die of the E3-1585L v5 is a direct consequence of its more powerful integrated graphics, which is the primary architectural differentiator.

The E3-1585L v5 features Iris Pro Graphics P580, a premium integrated GPU solution, while the E3-1245 v5 is equipped with the more modest HD Graphics P530. This is not a minor spec sheet footnote; it fundamentally changes the thermal and power profile of each chip. The E3-1585L v5 is rated at a 45 W TDP, despite its larger die and more capable graphics, while the E3-1245 v5 consumes 80 W. That is a striking inversion: the chip with the bigger GPU and more transistors draws far less power, a signal of the efficiency of the Skylake-H design and its binning for low-power server and workstation use.

The cache hierarchy is identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Both support DDR3 and DDR4 memory over a dual-channel bus with a 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. Both also support ECC memory, making them suitable for error-sensitive workloads. PCIe connectivity is the same, with Gen 3 and 16 lanes from the CPU. The sockets differ, however: the E3-1585L v5 uses Intel BGA 1440, a soldered, non-upgradeable platform, while the E3-1245 v5 uses Intel Socket 1151, which allows for a replaceable CPU. This is a fundamental platform decision: the E3-1585L v5 is a fixed part of a board, while the E3-1245 v5 can be swapped out.

Release timing also differs. The E3-1245 v5 launched on October 18, 2015, while the E3-1585L v5 arrived on May 30, 2016, roughly seven months later. Both are now end-of-life products, and both are locked multipliers, so overclocking is off the table for either.

Where Each One Wins

The E3-1585L v5 wins in every benchmark, but the context of those wins matters for real-world usage. Its consistent, albeit small, performance edge makes it the better choice for compute-bound tasks where every point counts, such as rendering or simulation workloads that scale with multi-core performance. The E3-1585L v5's 45 W TDP is the standout advantage here: it delivers slightly better performance while consuming nearly half the power of the E3-1245 v5. For dense server deployments, low-power embedded systems, or fanless workstation designs, that efficiency gap is far more significant than a 0.8% benchmark delta.

The E3-1585L v5 also wins on integrated graphics capability. The Iris Pro Graphics P580 is a substantial step up from the HD Graphics P530, making the E3-1585L v5 the better option for workloads that rely on GPU acceleration or display output without a discrete card. This includes light media encoding, 3D visualization, or any scenario where the iGPU is expected to pull its weight.

The E3-1245 v5, on the other hand, wins on platform flexibility. Its Socket 1151 interface means it can be installed in a wide range of motherboards and replaced later, whereas the BGA 1440 socket of the E3-1585L v5 is permanently attached to the board. For a user building a system where future CPU upgrades are planned, the E3-1245 v5 is the pragmatic choice. It also carries a lower launch MSRP, which is relevant for initial system cost, though the total cost of ownership must account for the higher 80 W TDP, which may require a more robust cooling solution and incur higher operating costs over time.

In terms of single-thread responsiveness, the E3-1245 v5 has a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz and a higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz, compared to the E3-1585L v5's 3.00 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost. Yet the benchmark data shows the E3-1585L v5 still wins single-core tests. This suggests the E3-1585L v5's architecture and memory subsystem compensate for its lower clocks, or that the measured single-core scores are within the margin of error. The data is what it is: the lower-clocked chip wins.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The E3-1585L v5 has a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the E3-1245 v5 runs at 3.50 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost. The E3-1585L v5 is rated at 45 W TDP, the E3-1245 v5 at 80 W. The socket differs: Intel BGA 1440 for the E3-1585L v5, Intel Socket 1151 for the E3-1245 v5. The codenames differ as well, with Skylake-H on the E3-1585L v5 and Skylake-DT on the E3-1245 v5. Transistor count is 2,300 million versus 1,750 million, and die size is 171 mm² versus 122 mm². The integrated graphics are Iris Pro Graphics P580 on the E3-1585L v5 and HD Graphics P530 on the E3-1245 v5. The E3-1585L v5 launched on May 30, 2016, while the E3-1245 v5 launched on October 18, 2015. The part numbers differ: SR2R9 for the E3-1585L v5 and SR2LL for the E3-1245 v5.

Both chips share identical cores (4), threads (8), cache layout (64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 8 MB L3 shared), memory support (DDR3, DDR4), memory bus (dual-channel), memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s), ECC support, PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), architecture (Skylake), and market segment (Server/Workstation). Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 wins all multi-core benchmarks, scoring 693 vs 687 in Cinebench R15, 2888 vs 2865 in R20, and 6878 vs 6822 in R23. The deltas are 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.8% respectively.

Q: Does the E3-1245 v5 have a higher clock speed?

A: Yes, the E3-1245 v5 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the E3-1585L v5 runs at 3.00 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost. Despite this, the E3-1585L v5 still wins all single-core benchmarks.

Q: Which processor has a lower power draw?

A: The E3-1585L v5 is rated at 45 W TDP, while the E3-1245 v5 is rated at 80 W TDP. The E3-1585L v5 delivers slightly better performance at nearly half the power consumption.

Q: Can either processor be overclocked?

A: No, both processors have locked multipliers, so overclocking is not supported on either chip.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the E3-1585L v5 and the E3-1245 v5 support ECC memory, and both support DDR3 and DDR4 over a dual-channel bus.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The E3-1585L v5 features Iris Pro Graphics P580, which is a more capable integrated GPU compared to the HD Graphics P530 found on the E3-1245 v5.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear, if narrow, winner: the Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks, achieves a higher average benchmark score (1989 vs 1973), and does so while consuming 35 W less power. For any workload where compute performance and thermal efficiency are the primary criteria, the E3-1585L v5 is the superior part. Its Iris Pro Graphics P580 also makes it the better choice for systems that rely on integrated graphics for acceleration or display. The only caveat is the BGA 1440 socket, which locks the chip to its board, but for a server or workstation that is deployed and left in place, this is a minor consideration.

The E3-1245 v5 is not without merit. Its Socket 1151 platform offers upgradeability, and its higher base and boost clocks suggest it should be faster on paper, yet the measurements show otherwise. It falls behind in every benchmark, and its 80 W TDP makes it a hotter, less efficient option. Its lower launch MSRP is the only clear specification advantage, but that does not translate into a performance win.

For a user building a new system where power efficiency and integrated graphics capability matter, the E3-1585L v5 is the data-backed choice. For a user with an existing Socket 1151 platform who wants a drop-in Xeon with ECC support, the E3-1245 v5 serves that role, but it will not outperform the E3-1585L v5 in any measured metric. The verdict is straightforward: the E3-1585L v5 is the faster, more efficient processor, and the benchmark record confirms it.