Core i5-4690K vs Xeon D-1521
Core i5-4690K
Xeon D-1521
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-4690K is positioned at rank 718 and the Xeon D-1521 is on rank 505, so the Xeon D-1521 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4690K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon D-1521
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($101) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+138%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($101) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-4690K and Xeon D-1521
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.
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 |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4690K launched at $243 MSRP, while the Xeon D-1521 debuted at $199. At current prices ($101 vs $241), the Core i5-4690K is $140 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690K delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 23.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1521 — making the Core i5-4690K the 81.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $243 | $199-18% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $101-58% | $241 |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.3+138% | 23.7 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2015 |
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