Xeon D-1521
Intel
PassMark
5,703
MSRP
$199
AVG Price
$241
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.
Overview
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon D-1521
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon D-1521 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Delta Force
Final Fantasy XIV
Grand Theft Auto V
Hearts of Iron IV
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon D-1521 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon D-1521 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 1.5 MB (per core) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,703, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 1.5 MB (per core) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 246.24 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 3,200 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 5,703 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon D-1521 fits into the FCBGA1667 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4, DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Xeon D |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1667 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4, DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon D-1521 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 45 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $241 (MSRP: $199), the Xeon D-1521 delivers 24 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1762 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon D-1521 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $241 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $199 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1762 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 November 2015 (10 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | server |
| Series | Intel Xeon D |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $199 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 1 November 2015 (10 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1762 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Bus Type | DMI 2.0 |
| Die Size | 246.24 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 1.5 MB (per core) |
| Multiplier | 24 |
| Max Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 3,200 million |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 80 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FCBGA1667 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 45 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4, DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 34.124 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Xeon D-1521
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Xeon D-1521 with other popular CPUs
Compare Xeon D-1521
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
