Core i7-8665UE vs Xeon D-1520

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 i7-8665UE vs Xeon D-1520 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 i7-8665UE vs Xeon D-1520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8665UE

2018

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 620, while Xeon D-1520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,852 vs 4,917).
❌Launch MSRP is still $409 MSRP, while Xeon D-1520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon D-1520

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.

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 i7-8665UE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8665UE better than Xeon D-1520?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8665UE is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8665UE is the better buy right now. Core i7-8665UE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $409 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon D-1520 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.3% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-8665UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015) and 433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8665UE vs Xeon D-1520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8665UE

The Core i7-8665UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,852 points. Launch price was $409.

Xeon D-1520

The Xeon D-1520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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. Passmark benchmark score: 4,917 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8665UE and Xeon D-1520 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-8665UE versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon D-1520 — a 51.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-8665UE (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-8665UE uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1520 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8665UE scores 4,852 against the Xeon D-1520's 4,917 — a 1.3% lead for the Xeon D-1520. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8665UE vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1520.

Feature	Core i7-8665UE	Xeon D-1520
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+69%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.2 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+433%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	4,852	4,917+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8665UE uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1520 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8665UE	Xeon D-1520
Socket	FCBGA1528	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
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 (Core i7-8665UE) / not specified (Xeon D-1520). The Core i7-8665UE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 620), while the Xeon D-1520 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8665UE targets Embedded.