Core i5-5675C 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 i5-5675C 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 i5-5675C 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 i5-5675C

2015

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 6200, 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 (5,693 vs 5,703).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1521, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.6 vs 28.7 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1521

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $77 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
✅Delivers 38.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.7 vs 20.6 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-5675C can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1521 better than Core i5-5675C?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1521 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-5675C 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 12.6% 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 $77 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $276 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 38.9% better value on MSRP (28.7 vs 20.6 PassMark/$), 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 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 i5-5675C vs Xeon D-1521 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5675C

The Core i5-5675C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,693 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i5-5675C packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon D-1521's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-5675C versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-5675C (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-5675C scores 5,693 against the Xeon D-1521's 5,703 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon D-1521. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-5675C vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521.

Feature	Core i5-5675C	Xeon D-1521
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+33%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+167%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	5,693	5,703

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5675C 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 i5-5675C	Xeon D-1521
Socket	LGA1150	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-5675C) / not specified (Xeon D-1521). The Core i5-5675C includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 6200), while the Xeon D-1521 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5675C targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-5675C	Xeon D-1521
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Iris Pro Graphics 6200	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-5675C was priced at $276, while the Xeon D-1521 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($276 vs $199), Xeon D-1521 was $77 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-5675C delivers 20.6 pts/$ vs 28.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1521 — making the Xeon D-1521 the 32.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-5675C	Xeon D-1521
MSRP	$276	$199-28%
Performance per Dollar	20.6	28.7+39%
Release Date	2015	2015

Search Core i5-5675C on Amazon

Search Xeon D-1521 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.