AMD EPYC 7301 vs Intel Xeon E-2286G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clean sweep for the AMD EPYC 7301 across all six shared Cinebench tests. The EPYC 7301 wins every multi-core and single-core comparison, with the margin holding remarkably steady at around 7.2% to 7.7%. This is not a case of one chip dominating in one workload while losing another; the AMD part is consistently ahead in every measured scenario.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the EPYC 7301 scores 12742 against the Xeon E-2286G's 11889, a 7.2% advantage. The single-core R23 result follows the same pattern: 1798 for the EPYC 7301 versus 1678 for the Xeon, again 7.2% ahead. The consistency of this delta across both multi-core and single-core tests suggests the EPYC 7301's advantage is structural rather than workload-specific.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the EPYC 7301 posts 5351 multi-core and 755 single-core. The Xeon E-2286G manages 4993 multi-core and 704 single-core. Both deltas sit at 7.2%. In the older Cinebench R15 suite, the EPYC 7301 scores 1284 multi-core and 181 single-core, while the Xeon E-2286G scores 1198 and 168 respectively. The multi-core delta is 7.2%, and the single-core delta stretches slightly to 7.7%. This is the widest margin recorded in the head-to-head data, and it appears in the single-threaded test, which is typically considered an Intel strength.

The average benchmark scores reflect the same ordering. The EPYC 7301 averages 3685 across all recorded benchmarks, while the Xeon E-2286G averages 3610. The EPYC 7301 sits at the 56th percentile of all CPUs in the database, and the Xeon E-2286G sits at the 55th. The EPYC 7301's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 1700X, averages 3673, just 0.3% behind. The Xeon E-2286G's closest competitor, the Intel Xeon E-2276G, averages 3614, a 0.1% gap. Both chips are firmly in the same performance tier, but the EPYC 7301 holds the edge in every direct comparison.

It is importantly the Xeon E-2286G has additional Geekbench results in the database that the EPYC 7301 lacks. The Xeon scores 6651 multi-core and 1598 single-core in Geekbench. These results are not part of the head-to-head comparison, but they do contribute to the Xeon's average score. Even with those extra results included, the Xeon's overall average remains below the EPYC 7301's.

The win count is decisive: the EPYC 7301 wins 6 of 6 head-to-head tests. The Xeon E-2286G records zero wins. No test in the shared suite favors the Intel part, not even the single-core tests where its 4.90 GHz boost clock might be expected to help.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The AMD EPYC 7301 wins every multi-core test in the shared suite. It leads by 7.2% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core, with scores of 1284, 5351, and 12742 respectively, against the Xeon E-2286G's 1198, 4993, and 11889.

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E-2286G win any single-core test?

A: No. The EPYC 7301 wins all three single-core Cinebench tests. The margins are 7.7% in R15 (181 versus 168) and 7.2% in both R20 (755 versus 704) and R23 (1798 versus 1678).

Q: How do the two processors compare in overall average benchmark score?

A: The EPYC 7301 averages 3685 across all recorded benchmarks, while the Xeon E-2286G averages 3610. The EPYC 7301 also holds a slightly higher percentile rank at 56th versus the Xeon's 55th.

Q: What are the closest rivals for each processor according to the database?

A: The EPYC 7301's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 1700X with an average score of 3673, just 0.3% behind. The Xeon E-2286G's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E-2276G with an average score of 3614, only 0.1% behind.

Q: Does the Xeon E-2286G have any benchmark results that the EPYC 7301 does not?

A: Yes. The Xeon E-2286G has Geekbench results in the database, scoring 6651 multi-core and 1598 single-core. The EPYC 7301 has no recorded Geekbench results.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score in Cinebench R23?

A: The EPYC 7301 scores 1798, which is 7.2% higher than the Xeon E-2286G's 1678. This is a decisive margin for a single-core test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD EPYC 7301 is built on the Zen architecture with the codename Naples, part of the EPYC 7001 series. It is fabricated by GlobalFoundries on a 14 nm process node and packs 4,800 million transistors into a 213 mm² die. The Intel Xeon E-2286G uses the Coffee Lake architecture, specifically Coffee Lake-S WS, part of the Xeon E-2200 series. It is fabricated by Intel on the same 14 nm process node, but the die size is 154 mm², and the transistor count is not recorded in the database.

The core counts diverge sharply. The EPYC 7301 offers 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Xeon E-2286G offers 6 cores and 12 threads. This is a 10-core and 20-thread difference. Despite this, the EPYC 7301 only leads by 7.2% in multi-core tests, which suggests the Xeon's much higher clock speeds are compensating significantly for its lower core count.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The EPYC 7301 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 64 MB L3 cache. The Xeon E-2286G has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 12 MB L3 cache. The EPYC 7301's 64 MB L3 cache is more than five times larger than the Xeon's 12 MB, which should benefit workloads with large working sets.

Memory architecture is another major differentiator. The EPYC 7301 supports eight-channel memory with a recorded bandwidth of 170.6 GB/s. The Xeon E-2286G supports dual-channel memory with a recorded bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. This is a fourfold difference in memory channels and a roughly fourfold difference in bandwidth. Both processors support DDR4 and ECC memory.

The EPYC 7301 uses AMD Socket SP3, while the Xeon E-2286G uses Intel Socket 1151. Both support PCIe Gen 3, but the Xeon's support is limited to 16 lanes from the CPU only. The EPYC 7301's PCIe lane configuration is not broken out in the database, but the socket itself is designed for server platforms with high I/O capacity.

The Xeon E-2286G includes integrated graphics in the form of HD Graphics P630. The EPYC 7301 has no integrated graphics recorded. This is a meaningful difference for systems that need a display output without a discrete GPU.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most obvious difference: the EPYC 7301 has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Xeon E-2286G has 6 cores and 12 threads. Clock speeds favor the Xeon. The Xeon runs at 4.00 GHz base and 4.90 GHz boost, while the EPYC 7301 runs at 2.20 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost. The Xeon's base clock is 1.80 GHz higher, and its boost clock is 2.20 GHz higher.

Thermal design power differs as well. The EPYC 7301 has a TDP of 170 watts, while the Xeon E-2286G has a TDP of 95 watts. The EPYC 7301 draws more power, consistent with its higher core count and server-oriented design. The Xeon's lower TDP makes it easier to cool in compact workstation builds.

Memory channels and bandwidth are major differentiators. The EPYC 7301 supports eight-channel memory with 170.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon E-2286G supports dual-channel memory with 42.7 GB/s. Both support DDR4 and ECC memory.

Cache capacities differ across all levels. The EPYC 7301 has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 64 MB shared L3. The Xeon E-2286G has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3.

Process node and foundry are the same node but different foundries: both are 14 nm, but the EPYC 7301 is GlobalFoundries and the Xeon E-2286G is Intel. Die sizes differ: 213 mm² for the EPYC 7301 versus 154 mm² for the Xeon. Transistor count is recorded only for the EPYC 7301 at 4,800 million.

Sockets differ: AMD Socket SP3 for the EPYC 7301, Intel Socket 1151 for the Xeon. The EPYC 7301 has an unlocked multiplier, the Xeon does not. The Xeon has integrated graphics (HD Graphics P630), the EPYC 7301 does not. The Xeon has a recorded launch MSRP of $450; the EPYC 7301 has no launch MSRP recorded. The EPYC 7301 is still in active production, while the Xeon E-2286G is marked end-of-life. Release dates differ by about two years: the EPYC 7301 launched in June 2017, the Xeon in May 2019.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear winner in raw performance: the AMD EPYC 7301. It wins every shared benchmark, all six head-to-head tests, with margins between 7.2% and 7.7%. Its average benchmark score of 3685 beats the Xeon E-2286G's 3610. Its percentile rank of 56 beats the Xeon's 55. On performance alone, there is no contest.

The EPYC 7301 achieves this with 16 cores and 32 threads, eight-channel memory at 170.6 GB/s, and a 64 MB L3 cache. These are server-class specifications. The Xeon E-2286G counters with 6 cores and 12 threads, dual-channel memory at 42.7 GB/s, and a 12 MB L3 cache. The Xeon's higher clock speeds, 4.00 GHz base and 4.90 GHz boost, narrow the gap but do not close it.

The Xeon E-2286G holds advantages in other areas. It has a lower TDP of 95 watts versus 170 watts. It includes integrated graphics, which the EPYC 7301 lacks. It is built on the same 14 nm process but with a smaller die, 154 mm² versus 213 mm². It launched with a recorded MSRP of $450, while the EPYC 7301 has no recorded launch price. It is also the newer part, released in 2019 versus 2017.

For buyers who prioritize raw compute performance, the EPYC 7301 is the better choice. The benchmark data is unambiguous: it wins every test in the shared suite. For buyers who need integrated graphics, a lower TDP, or a smaller platform footprint, the Xeon E-2286G has specific advantages that the benchmarks do not capture. But the measured performance crown belongs to the EPYC 7301.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 7301 wins in every measured performance category. Multi-core workloads, single-core workloads, all three Cinebench versions, the data shows the EPYC 7301 ahead by roughly 7.2% across the board. Its 16 cores and 32 threads, combined with 64 MB of L3 cache and eight-channel memory at 170.6 GB/s, make it the stronger choice for compute-heavy server and workstation tasks. The EPYC 7301 also wins on memory bandwidth by a wide margin, 170.6 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s, which matters for memory-bound workloads. It is still in active production, while the Xeon is end-of-life.

The Intel Xeon E-2286G wins in areas outside the benchmark suite. Its integrated HD Graphics P630 means systems can output video without a discrete GPU. Its 95 watt TDP is substantially lower than the EPYC 7301's 170 watts, making it easier to cool and more suitable for compact or power-conscious builds. Its 4.90 GHz boost clock is far higher than the EPYC 7301's 2.70 GHz, which explains why the Xeon stays competitive in single-core tests despite losing them. Its smaller die size, 154 mm² versus 213 mm², and its dual-channel memory setup both align with a lighter, less demanding platform. The Xeon also has a recorded launch MSRP of $450, giving it a clear price reference point.

In practical terms, the EPYC 7301 suits workloads that scale with cores, threads, cache, and memory bandwidth: virtualization, database work, compilation, and heavy multi-threaded rendering. The Xeon E-2286G suits applications that favor high clock speeds and lower platform overhead: lightly threaded workloads, edge servers, or workstations that need integrated graphics and modest power draw. The benchmark data gives the EPYC 7301 the overall win, but the Xeon E-2286G remains the better fit for specific, lower-power use cases.