Core i7-8705G vs Xeon D-1531

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 i7-8705G vs Xeon D-1531 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 i7-8705G vs Xeon D-1531: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8705G

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅Costs $1,657 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 411.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.1 vs 3.7 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,633 vs 7,668).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1531, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1531

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8705G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.7 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8705G better than Xeon D-1531?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1531 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8705G 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-1531 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-8705G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8705G comes in $1,657 cheaper on MSRP at $400 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon D-1531 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 411.9% better value on MSRP (19.1 vs 3.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8705G 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 i7-8705G vs Xeon D-1531 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8705G

The Core i7-8705G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,633 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon D-1531

The Xeon D-1531 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 2.2 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: 7,668 points. Launch price was $348.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-8705G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1531 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon D-1531 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8705G versus 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1531 — a 41.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-8705G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-8705G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1531 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8705G scores 7,633 against the Xeon D-1531's 7,668 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon D-1531. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8705G vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1531.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon D-1531
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+52%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+41%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+433%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	7,633	7,668

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8705G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1531 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon D-1531
Socket	FCBGA2270	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8705G was priced at $400, while the Xeon D-1531 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($400 vs $2057), Core i7-8705G was $1657 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8705G delivers 19.1 pts/$ vs 3.7 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1531 — making the Core i7-8705G the 134.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon D-1531
MSRP	$400-81%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	19.1+416%	3.7
Release Date	2018	2015

Search Core i7-8705G on Amazon

Search Xeon D-1531 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.