Core i7-8700T vs Xeon D-1540

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 i7-8700T vs Xeon D-1540 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 i7-8700T vs Xeon D-1540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8700T

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1540, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $303 MSRP, while Xeon D-1540 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon D-1540

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8700T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,037 vs 10,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 12 MB).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700T better than Xeon D-1540?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1540 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8700T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-8700T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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, Core i7-8700T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 1.5 MB).

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

Core i7-8700T is the better buy right now. Core i7-8700T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $303 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (33.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8700T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015), 700% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 1.5 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8700T vs Xeon D-1540 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8700T

The Core i7-8700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,213 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon D-1540

The Xeon D-1540 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 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: 10,037 points. Launch price was $581.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8700T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon D-1540 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon D-1540 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-8700T versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon D-1540 — a 42.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700T (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-8700T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1540 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700T scores 10,213 against the Xeon D-1540's 10,037 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i7-8700T. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8700T vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1540.

Feature	Core i7-8700T	Xeon D-1540
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+54%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+700%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	10,213+2%	10,037

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8700T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1540 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.