Core i3-1125G4 vs Xeon D-1557

Intel

Core i3-1125G4

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon D-1557

12 Cores24 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i3-1125G4 vs Xeon D-1557 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Xeon D-1557 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Xeon D-1557: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1125G4

2021

Why buy it

  • +433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).
  • Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics (48 EU), while Xeon D-1557 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1557 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (9,284 vs 9,285).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1557, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.

Xeon D-1557

2016

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +16.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1125G4 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1557 better than Core i3-1125G4?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1557 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-1125G4 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon D-1557 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1557 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon D-1557 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon D-1557 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1125G4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016), 433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB), and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Xeon D-1557 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i3-1125G4

The Core i3-1125G4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,284 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

Xeon D-1557

The Xeon D-1557 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,285 points. Launch price was $694.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1125G4 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1557 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon D-1557 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-1125G4 versus 2.1 GHz on the Xeon D-1557 — a 55.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-1125G4 (base: 2 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-1125G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Xeon D-1557 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1125G4 scores 9,284 against the Xeon D-1557's 9,285 — a 0% lead for the Xeon D-1557. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-1125G4 vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1557.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Xeon D-1557
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
12 / 24+200%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+76%
2.1 GHz
Base Clock
2 GHz+33%
1.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)+433%
1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
10 nm SuperFin-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
9,284
9,285
Cinebench R23 Multi
5,112
Geekbench 6 Single
1,560
Geekbench 6 Multi
4,770
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1125G4 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon D-1557 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Xeon D-1557
Socket
FCBGA1449
FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1125G4) / not specified (Xeon D-1557). The Core i3-1125G4 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics (48 EU)), while the Xeon D-1557 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1125G4 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i3-1125G4 rivals Ryzen 3 5300U.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Xeon D-1557
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics (48 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Productivity