Intel Xeon E3-1585 v5

The Intel Xeon E3-1585 v5 is a 4-core, 8-thread Skylake-H processor from 2016, and benchmark results place it at the 48th percentile of all CPUs. Its average benchmark score of 2067 puts it in a dead heat with a cluster of modern low-power and mobile processors, with all nearest rivals within 0.4% of its score. This is a workstation part that, despite its age and end-of-life status, delivers balanced performance that still trades blows with contemporary chips, though its architectural age shows in single-thread workloads.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The data reveals a processor tuned for consistency rather than extremes. In Cinebench R23, the Xeon E3-1585 v5 scores 1008 points single-core and 7146 points multi-core. The multi-core score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score, which is exactly what you would expect from a 4-core/8-thread part with perfect scaling — indicating the Skylake architecture efficiently distributes work across all threads without thermal or power throttling holding it back in short bursts.

The single-thread score of 1008 in R23 tells a different story. This figure lands in a range where many modern low-power chips outperform it, but it is not a disaster. For legacy software that relies on one or two threads, the 3.50 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost clock provide adequate responsiveness, though the gap to newer architectures is measurable. The R15 scores reinforce this: 101 single-core and 720 multi-core, a ratio of 7.1 again, confirming that the processor's multi-threaded efficiency is its stronger suit.

Real-world workloads that benefit from this split include database queries, virtualization hosts, and compilation tasks — all of which are heavily multi-threaded. Conversely, older games or single-threaded productivity apps will see the processor perform at a level closer to its single-core percentile, which is below its overall 48th percentile ranking. The data shows a chip that punches at its weight class in parallel tasks but relies on its high boost clock to stay relevant in sequential ones.

Power and Thermals

This processor carries a 65W TDP classification, which is modest for a workstation Xeon. The integrated Iris Pro Graphics P580 adds GPU die area, yet the thermal envelope remains manageable. Benchmark results indicate that sustained multi-core loads, such as the R23 multi-core test producing 7146 points, do not cause performance collapse, implying the cooling solution for a 65W class chip is sufficient.

The 14nm process node and 2,300 million transistors on a 171 mm² die mean the power density is moderate. A capable air cooler with a 92mm or larger fan is sufficient for this TDP class; no exotic liquid cooling is required. The absence of an unlocked multiplier confirms this is not a part designed for overclocking, so thermal headroom beyond stock settings is irrelevant. For system integrators, the 65W TDP allows for compact workstation builds with adequate airflow, though the BGA 1440 socket means the cooling solution must be designed for the specific board layout since the CPU is soldered.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 2067 places the Xeon E3-1585 v5 in a tight race with four rivals, none of which exceed a 0.4% delta. Against the Intel Core i3-N300, the Xeon is 0.3% ahead. Against the Intel Core i3-10105T, again 0.3% ahead. Against the Intel Core i7-8705G, also 0.3% ahead. Against the Intel Core i5-1145GRE, the lead is 0.4%. These deltas are within run-to-run variance; the data shows the Xeon is statistically tied with all four.

However, the Cinebench scores reveal where the Xeon wins and loses. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the 7146 score is a strong result for a 65W 4-core part. The R20 multi-core score of 3001 and R15 multi-core score of 720 are consistent with that. Single-core results are the weak point: the R23 single-core score of 1008 is below what modern chips like the i5-1145GRE achieve, yet the overall average score is pulled up by the multi-threaded showing.

The percentile rank of 48 means the Xeon beats roughly half of all CPUs tested in the database. That is a remarkable position for a 2016 part, but it is a position earned through multi-threaded grunt rather than single-core finesse. The 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth supports these scores by feeding the 8MB shared L3 cache without bottlenecking multi-threaded workloads. In practical terms, the benchmark data indicates this processor performs like a modern low-end to mid-range laptop chip in multi-threaded tasks, and like an older mid-range desktop chip in single-threaded tasks.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark profile, this processor suits specific workload types. For server or workstation deployments running virtualized environments, containerized services, or parallel batch processing, the 8 threads and 65W TDP make it a viable choice for dense, low-power nodes. The ECC memory support and server market segment designation reinforce this use case.

For content creation, the multi-core scores are adequate for 1080p video encoding or photo batch processing, but the single-core scores will hamper real-time effects or heavy scrubbing in editing timelines. The Iris Pro Graphics P580 can offload some GPU-accelerated tasks, which helps, but the CPU-only Cinebench scores show the processor is not a top-tier creator part.

For gaming, the single-core scores are the limiting factor. The Xeon will drive older titles at 60 fps, but modern games that scale poorly beyond 4 threads will see performance dip. The integrated GPU is not suited for modern gaming; a discrete GPU would be required, and the 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes limit bandwidth for high-end cards. Office productivity, web browsing, and spreadsheet work are all well within the capabilities of this processor, with the single-core boost clock of 3.90 GHz providing snappy UI response.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of this processor?

A: The launch MSRP is $556.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory support is enabled, which is typical for the server/workstation market segment.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth?

A: The dual-channel memory bus provides 34.1 GB/s of bandwidth, supporting both DDR3 and DDR4 memory types.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes.

Q: What is the integrated graphics model?

A: The integrated graphics are Iris Pro Graphics P580.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported.

Platform and Compatibility

The processor uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable mount. This means the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard, ruling out any future processor swaps. The Skylake-H architecture and 14nm process node are specific to this platform generation.

Memory support includes both DDR3 and DDR4, running in dual-channel mode, with a maximum bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The memory controller is integrated, and ECC memory is supported, which is a key feature for workstation reliability. The PCIe interface is Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single discrete GPU or several NVMe drives, though lane count is limited compared to modern HEDT platforms.

The production status is end-of-life, and the release date was 2016-05-30, meaning new units are not available. Upgrade path is nonexistent due to the BGA socket; any system built around this chip must be replaced entirely for a CPU upgrade. The part number is SR2RB. The platform does not support overclocking, and the integrated Iris Pro Graphics P580 provides display output without a discrete GPU, which is useful for headless servers or light workstation duties.

How It Compares

Intel Core i3-N300: The Xeon E3-1585 v5 is 0.3% ahead in average benchmark score. The i3-N300 is a modern low-power chip with efficiency cores, yet the Xeon's older Skylake architecture with 8 threads holds its own. The Xeon wins in multi-threaded throughput due to higher per-core performance, but the i3-N300 likely wins in power efficiency.

Intel Core i3-10105T: Again 0.3% ahead for the Xeon. The i3-10105T is a 35W desktop part with 4 cores and 8 threads, same configuration. The near-identical scores suggest the Xeon's higher base clock offsets the newer architecture of the i3. The Xeon's ECC support and server segment give it a workstation edge, while the i3 has a more flexible socket.

Intel Core i7-8705G: The Xeon leads by 0.3%. The i7-8705G is a 65W mobile part with a powerful integrated GPU (Radeon RX Vega M), but the CPU scores are nearly identical. The Xeon offers ECC memory and server stability, while the i7-8705G offers superior graphics performance. For CPU-only workloads, they are interchangeable.

Intel Core i5-1145GRE: The Xeon leads by 0.4%, the largest delta in the rival group. The i5-1145GRE is a 15W Tiger Lake part, and the Xeon's 65W TDP allows it to sustain higher clocks, edging out the more efficient i5 in raw throughput. However, the i5 is far more power-efficient and supports newer instruction sets. The Xeon's margin is negligible in real-world use.