Core i5-4690K vs Xeon D-1521

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 i5-4690K vs Xeon D-1521 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 i5-4690K vs Xeon D-1521: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4690K

2014

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon D-1521 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1521 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,689 vs 5,703).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1521, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.4 vs 28.7 PassMark/$ ($243 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌95.6% higher power demand at 88W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1521

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $243 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.7 vs 23.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $243 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 88W, a 43W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4690K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1521 better than Core i5-4690K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1521 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4690K 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-1521 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.3% 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-1521 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon D-1521 is the better buy right now. Xeon D-1521 comes in $44 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $243 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 22.4% better value on MSRP (28.7 vs 23.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon D-1521 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4690K vs Xeon D-1521 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690K

The Core i5-4690K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $300.

Xeon D-1521

The Xeon D-1521 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 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: 5,703 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4690K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon D-1521's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon D-1521 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Xeon D-1521's 5,703 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon D-1521. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690K vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Xeon D-1521
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+44%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+46%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+300%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	5,689	5,703

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1521 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Xeon D-1521
Socket	LGA1150	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4690K) / not specified (Xeon D-1521). The Core i5-4690K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon D-1521 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Xeon D-1521
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690K was priced at $243, while the Xeon D-1521 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($243 vs $199), Xeon D-1521 was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690K delivers 23.4 pts/$ vs 28.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1521 — making the Xeon D-1521 the 20.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690K	Xeon D-1521
MSRP	$243	$199-18%
Performance per Dollar	23.4	28.7+23%
Release Date	2014	2015

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