CPU
GPU
Xeon D-1521
Xeon E3-1220 v5
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon D-1521 is positioned at rank 505 and the Xeon E3-1220 v5 is on rank 513, so the Xeon D-1521 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon D-1521
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1220 v5
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon D-1521 | Xeon E3-1220 v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake-DT (2015) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon D-1521 | Xeon E3-1220 v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+141%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon D-1521 and Xeon E3-1220 v5
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.
Xeon E3-1220 v5
The Xeon E3-1220 v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-DT (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,713 points. Launch price was $203.
Processing Power
The Xeon D-1521 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220 v5's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Xeon D-1521 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — a 25.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220 v5 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon D-1521 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses Skylake-DT (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon D-1521 scores 5,703 against the Xeon E3-1220 v5's 5,713 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1220 v5. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1521 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220 v5.
| Feature | Xeon D-1521 | Xeon E3-1220 v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.5 GHz+30% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 1.5 MB (per core) | 8 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Skylake-DT (2015) |
| PassMark | 5,703 | 5,713 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon D-1521 uses the FCBGA1667 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon D-1521 | Xeon E3-1220 v5 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1667 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon D-1521 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1220 v5 debuted at $203. At current prices ($241 vs $100), the Xeon E3-1220 v5 is $141 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon D-1521 delivers 23.7 pts/$ vs 57.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v5 — making the Xeon E3-1220 v5 the 82.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon D-1521 | Xeon E3-1220 v5 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199-2% | $203 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $241 | $100-59% |
| Performance per Dollar | 23.7 | 57.1+141% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2015 |
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