Core i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-1528

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 i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-1528 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 i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-1528: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6820HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1528 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,758 vs 6,823).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1528, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Xeon D-1528

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1528 better than Core i7-6820HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1528 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6820HQ 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-1528 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.5% 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-1528 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon D-1528 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon D-1528 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon D-1528 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-1528 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6820HQ

The Core i7-6820HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,758 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon D-1528

The Xeon D-1528 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,823 points. Launch price was $320.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6820HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1528 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon D-1528 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HQ versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon D-1528 — a 36.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820HQ (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-6820HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1528 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HQ scores 6,758 against the Xeon D-1528's 6,823 — a 1% lead for the Xeon D-1528. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HQ vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1528.

Feature	Core i7-6820HQ	Xeon D-1528
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+42%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB+433%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	6,758	6,823

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6820HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1528 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.