Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5

The Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 is a 4-core, 8-thread Skylake-H processor with a 3.00 GHz base clock and 3.70 GHz boost, a 45W TDP, and an integrated Iris Pro Graphics P580. It targets the server/workstation segment, supports ECC memory, and uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket. In aggregate benchmarks, it achieves an average score of 1957, placing it at the 45th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals—AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE, Intel Core i7-3930K, Intel Xeon D-2712T, and Intel Core i7-8709G—all fall within 0.4% of its average score, making this a tightly grouped field.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench results show a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In R15, the single-core score is 96 and multi-core 681; in R20, 401 single and 2841 multi; in R23, 955 single and 6765 multi. The multi-core scores are consistently several times higher than the single-core figures, indicating that the eight threads (four cores with Hyper-Threading) scale well in parallel workloads. However, the single-core scores are modest by modern standards—the R23 single-core 955 is far below what current mainstream desktop parts deliver. This means that lightly-threaded tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, or single-threaded legacy applications, will not benefit from the processor's capabilities. In contrast, rendering, video encoding, or scientific simulations that can use all eight threads will see a substantial uplift. The cache hierarchy—64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3—is typical for a 4-core Skylake design and helps mitigate the modest clock speed in latency-sensitive workloads. The 45th percentile overall suggests that the E3-1585L v5 sits just below the median CPU, but its multi-threaded performance is competitive with its immediate rivals, as the average score of 1957 demonstrates.

Who Should Consider It

The E3-1585L v5 is a server/workstation part with ECC memory support, making it suitable for always-on systems where data integrity is critical. Its 45W TDP and integrated Iris Pro P580 GPU allow for compact, low-power builds without a discrete graphics card. For office productivity, the single-core performance is adequate for spreadsheets and email, but the 45th percentile rank indicates that many cheaper or newer CPUs will outperform it. For content creation, the multi-core R23 score of 6765 is respectable for a 45W chip, but the 4-core/8-thread configuration limits heavy rendering tasks compared to higher-core-count parts. Gaming is not a primary use case; the integrated GPU is not designed for modern 3D titles, and the single-core scores are below what gaming-focused CPUs typically offer. The strongest fit is in embedded or industrial systems that require ECC, a compact footprint, and a modest thermal envelope. The BGA 1440 socket further reinforces the intended use in soldered, low-maintenance platforms rather than upgradeable consumer desktops.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 1957 is the key metric. Against its nearest rivals, the deltas are negligible: 0.2% ahead of the Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE (1954), 0.3% behind the Core i7-3930K (1963) and Xeon D-2712T (1964), and 0.4% ahead of the Core i7-8709G (1950). These margins are far smaller than typical run-to-run variation, so the four processors are effectively tied in aggregate performance. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core 6765 and single-core 955 reflect the expected behavior of a 4-core/8-thread Skylake part. The R15 and R20 scores (681 and 2841 multi-core; 96 and 401 single-core) follow the same pattern, confirming consistent scaling across benchmark versions. The R23 multi-core figure is the highest of the three, reflecting the benchmark's heavier workload and the processor's ability to sustain multi-threaded throughput. The 45th percentile position means that roughly 55% of CPUs in the database score higher, but the tight clustering of its nearest rivals shows that the E3-1585L v5 is not an outlier; it is a middle-of-the-pack performer with a specific feature set.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE: The Xeon leads by 0.2% in average score. Both parts are low-power, integrated-GPU designs, but the Ryzen is a newer architecture. The performance delta is imperceptible, so the choice would rest on platform features such as socket and memory support.

Intel Core i7-3930K: The Xeon trails the i7-3930K by 0.3%. The i7-3930K is a much older HEDT processor with a different platform, yet it still matches the Xeon on average. This underscores that the E3-1585L v5's performance is comparable to a high-end desktop part from several years prior.

Intel Xeon D-2712T: The Xeon D-2712T is 0.3% ahead of the E3-1585L v5. Both are Xeon parts, but the D-2712T belongs to a different generation and socket. The margin is within noise, making them interchangeable in raw throughput.

Intel Core i7-8709G: The Xeon leads by 0.4%. The i7-8709G is a mobile-class chip with integrated Radeon graphics, but its average score is slightly lower. Again, the difference is negligible.

The four rivals are separated by less than one percentage point, so the E3-1585L v5 is effectively at parity with all of them.

Platform and Compatibility

The E3-1585L v5 is built on the Skylake-H architecture, fabricated on Intel's 14nm process with 2,300 million transistors and a die size of 171 mm². It uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, which is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable. Memory support includes dual-channel DDR3 and DDR4, with a peak bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s and ECC capability. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, which is limited compared to modern platforms but sufficient for a single GPU or a few NVMe drives. The integrated Iris Pro Graphics P580 offers display output and basic compute. The part was released on May 30, 2016, and is now end-of-life. The part number is SR2R9, and the multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking. The launch MSRP is $445.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Xeon E3-1585L v5 use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is supported.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The TDP is 45W.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Iris Pro Graphics P580.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What memory types are supported?

A: DDR3 and DDR4, dual-channel.

Power and Thermals

The 45W TDP places the E3-1585L v5 in a low-power class. This allows for a compact cooling solution—a small air cooler or a low-profile heatsink is sufficient. The 14nm process and 171 mm² die size contribute to the efficiency, while the integrated Iris Pro P580 GPU adds to the thermal load but remains within the 45W envelope. The 2,300 million transistors indicate a moderate complexity, and the 34.1 GB/s memory bandwidth is typical for a dual-channel design. For system builders, the power characteristics make the E3-1585L v5 suitable for dense or space-constrained environments where heat dissipation is a concern. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means no overclocking headroom, so thermal management is straightforward: the stock cooler or a basic aftermarket unit will handle the 45W load without issue. The BGA socket further simplifies cooling design, as the motherboard can integrate a fixed heatsink solution tailored to the 45W class.