Intel Xeon E3-1270L v4 vs Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 and the Intel Xeon E3-1270L v4 are both 4-core, 8-thread server processors with a 45W TDP, but they diverge in architecture, socket, cache, and memory support. The head-to-head benchmark data shows the E3-1575M v5 winning all six Cinebench tests, though by margins of only 1.1% to 1.6%. This article examines what those numbers mean and where each processor fits.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded Cinebench results give a clear, if narrow, picture. In every test, the E3-1575M v5 posts a higher score:

• Cinebench R15 multi-core: 665 vs 656, a 1.4% lead
• Cinebench R15 single-core: 93 vs 92, a 1.1% lead
• Cinebench R20 multi-core: 2774 vs 2735, a 1.4% lead
• Cinebench R20 single-core: 391 vs 385, a 1.6% lead
• Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6607 vs 6512, a 1.5% lead
• Cinebench R23 single-core: 932 vs 919, a 1.4% lead

The largest delta is 1.6% in R20 single-core, the smallest is 1.1% in R15 single-core. The multi-core deltas cluster around 1.4% to 1.5%, while single-core deltas range from 1.1% to 1.6%. This consistency suggests a slight but real advantage for the E3-1575M v5 in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The average benchmark score of the E3-1575M v5 is 1910, while the E3-1270L v4 averages 1883, a difference of 27 points. Both processors sit at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same performance tier, but the E3-1575M v5 sits at the top of that tier. The data indicates that the E3-1575M v5 is the faster part across the board, though the margins are small enough that real-world differences may be subtle.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 has a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the Intel Xeon E3-1270L v4 has 3.60 GHz.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR4 memory?

A: The E3-1575M v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the E3-1270L v4 supports only DDR3.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The E3-1575M v5 includes Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the E3-1270L v4 has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU has more L3 cache?

A: The E3-1575M v5 has 8 MB shared L3 cache, while the E3-1270L v4 has 6 MB.

Q: Which CPU has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The E3-1575M v5 has 34.1 GB/s, while the E3-1270L v4 has 29.9 GB/s.

Q: Which CPU was released later?

A: The E3-1575M v5 was released on 2016-01-23, while the E3-1270L v4 was released on 2015-06-01.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data shows no scenario where the E3-1270L v4 outperforms the E3-1575M v5. All six Cinebench tests go to the E3-1575M v5, so for any workload represented by these tests, the E3-1575M v5 is the pick. The E3-1270L v4 does have a compatibility angle: it uses Socket 1150 and supports only DDR3, which may matter for legacy systems. But that is a platform consideration, not a performance one. Both processors share the same 45W TDP and the same 4-core, 8-thread configuration, so they are similar in power envelope. The average benchmark score difference of 27 points reinforces the E3-1575M v5's lead. If the goal is maximum Cinebench performance, the data points squarely to the E3-1575M v5.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications:

• Boost clock: 3.90 GHz vs 3.60 GHz
• Socket: Intel BGA 1440 vs Intel Socket 1150
• Architecture: Skylake vs Broadwell
• Codename: Skylake-H vs Broadwell-DT
• Generation: Xeon E3 (Skylake-H) vs Xeon E3 (Broadwell-DT)
• Transistors: 2,300 million vs not recorded
• Die size: 171 mm² vs 182 mm²
• L3 cache: 8 MB shared vs 6 MB shared
• Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 vs DDR3
• Memory bandwidth: 34.1 GB/s vs 29.9 GB/s
• Integrated graphics: Iris Pro Graphics P580 vs none
• Production status: End-of-life vs not specified
• Release date: 2016-01-23 vs 2015-06-01
• Launch MSRP: $1207 (for the E3-1575M v5) vs none recorded

The base clock is identical at 3.00 GHz, as are the TDP (45W), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (true), PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), multiplier lock (false), and per-core L1 and L2 cache sizes (64 KB and 256 KB respectively). The differences are concentrated in the higher boost clock, larger L3 cache, broader memory support, and the presence of integrated graphics on the E3-1575M v5.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on a 14 nm process, but they belong to different architectural families. The E3-1575M v5 is Skylake-H, while the E3-1270L v4 is Broadwell-DT. The die size tells an interesting story: the E3-1575M v5 has a smaller die at 171 mm², yet it packs 2,300 million transistors, whereas the E3-1270L v4 has a larger die at 182 mm² and its transistor count is not recorded. The E3-1575M v5 also has a higher boost clock (3.90 GHz vs 3.60 GHz) and a larger L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). Memory support is another major split: the E3-1575M v5 accepts both DDR3 and DDR4, while the E3-1270L v4 is limited to DDR3, and the measured memory bandwidth reflects that, with 34.1 GB/s versus 29.9 GB/s. The E3-1575M v5 includes Iris Pro Graphics P580, while the E3-1270L v4 has no integrated graphics. The socket also differs, with the E3-1575M v5 using BGA 1440 and the E3-1270L v4 using Socket 1150. These architectural differences point to a more modern design in the E3-1575M v5, with better memory flexibility, a larger cache, and a higher clock ceiling. The larger L3 cache and higher boost clock likely contribute to the performance lead seen in the Cinebench results, though the data does not isolate their individual effects.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the Intel Xeon E3-1575M v5 is the faster processor in every Cinebench test. Its average benchmark score of 1910 exceeds the E3-1270L v4's 1883, and it offers a higher boost clock, more L3 cache, DDR4 support, and integrated graphics. The E3-1270L v4's only potential advantage is its Socket 1150 and DDR3 compatibility, which may be relevant for specific legacy platforms, but the performance data does not favor it. For users who prioritize Cinebench performance, the E3-1575M v5 is the clear choice. The E3-1270L v4 may be considered for systems that require its particular socket and memory type, but the benchmark results show no performance benefit. The data is unambiguous: the E3-1575M v5 wins all six head-to-head tests, and the average score gap confirms its overall lead.