CPU Comparison

The AMD EPYC 7261 and Intel Xeon E-2226G represent two distinct philosophies for server processing, separated by a generation and aimed at different socket ecosystems. The EPYC 7261, built on the Zen architecture for the SP3 platform, offers more cores and massive memory bandwidth, while the Xeon E-2226G, a Coffee Lake-S part for Socket 1151, counters with a much higher boost clock and integrated graphics. Benchmark data shows the EPYC 7261 winning every single head-to-head Cinebench test, but the margins are remarkably thin, raising questions about what truly separates these two in real-world workloads. The data suggests that architectural advantages matter less in these specific tests than the raw clock speed and core count balance each chip brings to the table.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more physical cores and threads?

A: The AMD EPYC 7261 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2226G has 6 cores and 6 threads. This gives the EPYC a 33% lead in core count and a 166% lead in thread count.

Q: How significant is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The EPYC 7261 features an eight-channel memory bus delivering 170.6 GB/s, whereas the Xeon E-2226G uses a dual-channel bus with 42.7 GB/s. This is a 4x advantage in theoretical bandwidth for the AMD part, which is a major architectural distinction.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E-2226G have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Xeon E-2226G includes HD Graphics P630, while the AMD EPYC 7261 has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the Intel part viable for systems that need a display output without a discrete GPU.

Q: What is the clock speed profile for each processor?

A: The AMD EPYC 7261 has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 2.90 GHz. The Intel Xeon E-2226G operates at a base clock of 3.40 GHz and boosts to 4.70 GHz, giving it a substantial clock speed advantage.

Q: What is the production status of each part?

A: The AMD EPYC 7261 is listed as "Active" in production, while the Intel Xeon E-2226G is marked as "End-of-life." This suggests the AMD part is more readily available for new system builds.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD EPYC 7261 has an average benchmark score of 2740, while the Intel Xeon E-2226G scores 2709. The AMD part leads by a margin of 1.1%.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two chips is stark. The AMD EPYC 7261 uses the Zen microarchitecture on a 14 nm process from GlobalFoundries, with a die size of 213 mm² and 4,800 million transistors. Intel’s Xeon E-2226G also uses a 14 nm node, but it is fabricated in-house and packs its transistors into a smaller 154 mm² die. The EPYC 7261’s larger die houses 8 cores with 16 threads, while the Xeon E-2226G fits 6 cores with 6 threads into a more compact space, reflecting a focus on higher clock speeds rather than parallel throughput.

Cache layouts differ significantly between the two. The EPYC 7261 provides 96 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache per core, along with a large 32 MB shared L3 cache. The Xeon E-2226G offers smaller per-core caches at 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2, with a shared L3 cache of just 12 MB. The EPYC’s larger cache hierarchy is designed to feed its extra cores and threads, while the Intel part’s smaller caches are paired with a much higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz versus the EPYC’s 2.90 GHz, suggesting a trade-off between latency-sensitive single-thread work and data-heavy multi-threaded tasks.

The memory controllers are a key differentiator. The EPYC 7261 supports an eight-channel DDR4 memory bus, achieving 170.6 GB/s of bandwidth, while the Xeon E-2226G is limited to dual-channel DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s. This fourfold difference in memory bandwidth is a defining feature of the EPYC platform, which targets memory-intensive server workloads. Both processors support ECC memory, but the EPYC’s massive bandwidth advantage is unmatched by the Intel part.

Other platform features diverge as well. The EPYC 7261 uses the AMD Socket SP3 and has an unlocked multiplier, indicating overclocking potential, while the Xeon E-2226G is locked and uses Intel Socket 1151. The EPYC also offers PCIe Gen 3 connectivity, as does the Xeon, but the Intel part specifies 16 lanes from the CPU only. The Xeon E-2226G includes integrated graphics, a feature absent on the EPYC. Finally, the EPYC was released on 2018-06-13, while the Xeon came later on 2019-05-28, placing them in different product cycles.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear, if narrow, victory for the AMD EPYC 7261 in raw compute benchmarks. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%. The EPYC also holds a slight edge in average benchmark score (2740 vs 2709) and a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs, matching the Xeon’s percentile. For workloads that scale with cores and threads, the EPYC’s 8-core/16-thread configuration is the logical choice, especially given its 170.6 GB/s memory bandwidth.

However, the Intel Xeon E-2226G is not without merit. Its 4.70 GHz boost clock is 62% higher than the EPYC’s 2.90 GHz, which historically favors lightly-threaded tasks and lower latency. The presence of integrated graphics makes it a more self-contained solution for entry-level servers or workstations that require display output. The Xeon’s lower TDP of 80 watts, compared to the EPYC’s 170 watts, indicates significantly lower power draw, though the exact power consumption figures are not provided.

Who should pick which? The EPYC 7261 is the better choice for data-heavy, multi-threaded server environments where memory bandwidth and core count are paramount. The Xeon E-2226G suits scenarios where higher clock speeds and integrated graphics are needed, and where the platform is built around a more conventional dual-channel memory architecture. Given that the EPYC is still active in production while the Xeon is end-of-life, long-term availability favors AMD.

Specification Differences

The specification tables reveal fundamental differences in core configuration and clock speeds. The AMD EPYC 7261 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2226G has 6 cores and 6 threads. The EPYC’s base clock of 2.50 GHz and boost clock of 2.90 GHz are far lower than the Xeon’s 3.40 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost.

Memory support is another major divergence. The EPYC 7261 uses an eight-channel memory bus with 170.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon E-2226G is limited to dual-channel with 42.7 GB/s. Both support DDR4 and ECC memory. The EPYC has a larger L3 cache at 32 MB shared, versus 12 MB shared on the Xeon, and larger per-core L1 and L2 caches.

Physical specifications differ as well. The EPYC uses AMD Socket SP3, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151. The EPYC has a die size of 213 mm² with 4,800 million transistors, while the Xeon has a 154 mm² die with no transistor count listed. The EPYC is fabricated by GlobalFoundries, and the Xeon by Intel, both on a 14 nm process.

Platform features set them apart further. The EPYC 7261 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon E-2226G is locked. The Xeon includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics P630), while the EPYC has none. The EPYC is marked as active in production, whereas the Xeon is end-of-life. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $255, which can be stated once as such.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show the AMD EPYC 7261 winning every single test, but the victories are slim. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the EPYC scores 954 against the Xeon’s 944, a 1.1% lead. The single-core R15 test is even tighter, with the EPYC at 134 and the Xeon at 133, a 0.8% margin. These single-core results are surprising given the Xeon’s 4.70 GHz boost clock, but the EPYC’s Zen architecture appears to hold its own.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore test shows the EPYC at 3979 versus the Xeon’s 3934, again a 1.1% delta. The single-core R20 test has the EPYC at 561 and the Xeon at 555, a 1.1% margin. The pattern continues in Cinebench R23, where the EPYC scores 9476 in multicore against 9368 for the Xeon, a 1.2% lead, and 1337 in single-core versus 1322, a 1.1% margin.

The consistency of these results is notable. The EPYC wins all six benchmarks, but the largest margin is just 1.2%. The Xeon’s higher clock speed does not translate into a win in any test, even single-core ones. The EPYC’s extra 2 cores and 10 threads likely contribute to its multicore wins, while its architecture appears to match the Xeon’s single-core performance despite the clock deficit. The average benchmark scores confirm the trend, with the EPYC at 2740 and the Xeon at 2709.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 7261 wins in every measured benchmark, but its advantages point to specific use cases. The multicore wins in R15 (954 vs 944), R20 (3979 vs 3934), and R23 (9476 vs 9368) suggest the EPYC is better suited for heavily threaded workloads like virtualization, database processing, and scientific computing. The 170.6 GB/s memory bandwidth is a critical asset for tasks that move large datasets, far outpacing the Xeon’s 42.7 GB/s. The EPYC’s larger 32 MB L3 cache also supports data-intensive operations.

The Intel Xeon E-2226G, despite losing all benchmarks, has characteristics that favor different scenarios. Its 4.70 GHz boost clock is the highest clock speed in this comparison, which could benefit latency-sensitive applications that rely on single-thread performance, even though the benchmark data shows the EPYC winning single-core tests by small margins. The integrated HD Graphics P630 makes the Xeon a more complete package for systems that need a display output without a dedicated GPU, such as entry-level workstations or basic server management consoles. The Xeon’s lower TDP of 80 watts, versus the EPYC’s 170 watts, implies it could be easier to cool and fit into power-constrained environments, though specific power consumption figures are not provided.

The Xeon’s dual-channel memory and 12 MB L3 cache are more modest, but its end-of-life status may make it a legacy option for existing Socket 1151 platforms. The EPYC, being active in production, is the forward-looking choice for new server builds. In summary, the EPYC 7261 wins on compute and memory bandwidth, while the Xeon E-2226G offers higher clocks, integrated graphics, and lower power draw, making it suitable for niche, lighter-duty roles.