Intel Core i3-12300 vs Intel Xeon E-2186G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database records six head-to-head comparisons between the Intel Core i3-12300 and the Intel Xeon E-2186G, all using the Cinebench suite. The results show a consistent pattern: the Core i3-12300 wins every single test, with margins that stay remarkably uniform across both single-core and multi-core workloads.

Starting with the multi-core results, the Core i3-12300 scores 1230 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, while the Xeon E-2186G scores 1158. That is a 6.2% advantage for the Core i3. The same gap appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the Core i3 posts 5128 against the Xeon's 4826, a 6.3% lead. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Core i3 reaches 12211, while the Xeon manages 11492, again a 6.3% difference.

The single-core results tell an identical story. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Core i3 scores 173 versus the Xeon's 163, a 6.1% edge. Cinebench R20 single-core shows 724 against 681, a 6.3% margin. Cinebench R23 single-core closes the set with 1724 versus 1622, another 6.3% lead.

What stands out is the consistency of these margins. The smallest advantage is 6.1% in R15 single-core, and the largest is 6.3% in four separate tests. This uniformity suggests the performance difference is fundamental to the architectures themselves rather than workload-specific. The Core i3 does not merely edge ahead in one type of test; it maintains the same relative advantage across every benchmark recorded.

The database also includes a Geekbench test for the Xeon E-2186G, showing 6204 multi-core and 1550 single-core. However, no corresponding Geekbench scores are recorded for the Core i3-12300, so a direct comparison in that benchmark is not possible from the available data.

Overall, the head-to-head record shows six wins for the Core i3-12300 and zero wins for the Xeon E-2186G. The average benchmark score for the Core i3 is 3532, while the Xeon averages 3462. These averages place the Core i3 at the 55th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with the Xeon just behind at the 54th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and target different market segments. The Core i3-12300 is built on Alder Lake architecture, using a 10 nm process node from Intel's foundry. The Xeon E-2186G uses Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm process. This process node difference is likely a major factor in the performance gap, as the newer 10 nm node allows for higher efficiency and better performance per clock.

The core configurations differ meaningfully. The Core i3-12300 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Xeon E-2186G has 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite having two fewer cores, the Core i3 still wins all multi-core benchmarks. This is notable because the Xeon has 50% more cores and threads, yet the Core i3's architectural advantages overcome that deficit.

Cache layouts also differ. The Core i3-12300 uses 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E-2186G uses 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and also 12 MB of shared L3. The per-core L2 cache is dramatically larger on the Core i3, with 1.25 MB versus 256 KB, a five-fold difference. The die size shows the Core i3 at 163 mm², slightly larger than the Xeon's 154 mm².

Memory support differs as well. The Core i3-12300 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Xeon E-2186G only supports DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Xeon has a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is recorded for the Core i3. ECC memory support is another differentiator: the Core i3 does not support ECC, while the Xeon does. This makes the Xeon better suited for error-sensitive server workloads.

PCIe connectivity shows a generation gap. The Core i3-12300 supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the Xeon E-2186G supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. This gives the Core i3 both a newer PCIe standard and more lanes.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core i3-12300 includes UHD Graphics 730, while the Xeon E-2186G includes HD Graphics P630. Both are integrated solutions, but they represent different graphics generations.

Clock speeds favor the Xeon on paper. The Xeon has a 3.80 GHz base clock and a 4.70 GHz boost clock. The Core i3 has a 3.50 GHz base clock and a 4.40 GHz boost clock. Despite lower clocks, the Core i3 achieves higher benchmark scores, which points to superior instructions per clock from the newer architecture.

The sockets are incompatible: the Core i3 uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151. This means they cannot be swapped into the same motherboard.

Production status differs. The Core i3-12300 is listed as Active, while the Xeon E-2186G is End-of-life. The Xeon was released on 2018-05-30, while no release date is recorded for the Core i3.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded benchmark data, the Core i3-12300 wins in every measured category. It outperforms the Xeon in all six Cinebench tests, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads. The margins range from 6.1% to 6.3%, making the Core i3 the clear choice for raw processing performance in both lightly threaded and heavily threaded applications.

The Xeon E-2186G has no benchmark wins in the database. However, it has advantages that are not captured in the Cinebench records. The Xeon supports ECC memory, which the Core i3 does not. For workloads that require error correction, such as database servers or financial calculations, this is a critical feature. The Xeon is also classified as a Server/Workstation part, while the Core i3 is a Desktop part, indicating different intended environments.

The Xeon offers 6 cores and 12 threads, which could benefit workloads that scale perfectly with core count, even though the Cinebench results show the Core i3 winning despite having fewer cores. The Xeon also has a higher base clock of 3.80 GHz and boost clock of 4.70 GHz, which may matter in scenarios not represented by the Cinebench suite.

The Core i3 wins on connectivity as well, with PCIe Gen 5 support versus the Xeon's PCIe Gen 3. It also supports DDR5 memory, while the Xeon is limited to DDR4. For systems being built fresh, the Core i3 offers a more modern platform foundation.

The Xeon's memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s is recorded, while the Core i3 has no such figure in the database. In memory-intensive workloads, the Xeon's documented bandwidth may be an advantage, though the Core i3's DDR5 support could potentially offer higher bandwidth in practice.

FAQ

Q: Does the Core i3-12300 outperform the Xeon E-2186G in multi-core workloads?

A: Yes. The Core i3 wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests: R15 multi-core at 1230 versus 1158, R20 multi-core at 5128 versus 4826, and R23 multi-core at 12211 versus 11492. The margins are 6.2% to 6.3%.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Xeon E-2186G has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i3-12300 has 4 cores and 8 threads. Despite having fewer cores, the Core i3 still wins every benchmark in the database.

Q: Does the Xeon E-2186G support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon E-2186G supports ECC memory. The Core i3-12300 does not support ECC. This is a key difference for error-sensitive applications.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Core i3-12300 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The Xeon E-2186G supports only DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: What is the process node difference?

A: The Core i3-12300 uses a 10 nm process node, while the Xeon E-2186G uses a 14 nm process node. Both are manufactured by Intel.

Q: Are the sockets interchangeable?

A: No. The Core i3-12300 uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Xeon E-2186G uses Intel Socket 1151. They require different motherboards.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points decisively toward the Intel Core i3-12300 for raw processing performance. It wins all six recorded Cinebench tests with margins between 6.1% and 6.3%. The consistency of these margins across single-core and multi-core workloads suggests a fundamental architectural superiority of the Alder Lake design over the Coffee Lake design, despite the Xeon having more cores and higher clock speeds.

The Core i3 achieves these results with 4 cores and 8 threads, compared to the Xeon's 6 cores and 12 threads. This means the Core i3's per-thread performance is substantially higher. The 10 nm process node and larger per-core L2 cache (1.25 MB versus 256 KB) likely contribute to this advantage.

The Core i3 also offers newer platform features: PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes versus PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, DDR5 memory support versus DDR4 only, and a smaller process node. The Core i3 is actively in production, while the Xeon is end-of-life.

However, the Xeon E-2186G retains relevance for specific use cases. Its ECC memory support is a significant feature for server and workstation environments where data integrity is paramount. The Xeon's classification as a Server/Workstation part, combined with its recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, suggests it was designed for sustained, reliability-focused workloads.

The production status alone matters for purchasing decisions. The Core i3 is active, meaning ongoing availability and support. The Xeon is end-of-life, which could complicate sourcing and long-term maintenance.

For users building a new system and prioritizing performance, the Core i3-12300 is the clear choice based on the recorded data. It wins every benchmark, offers newer connectivity, and supports modern memory. For users with existing Socket 1151 platforms or those requiring ECC memory, the Xeon E-2186G remains a functional option, but it cannot match the Core i3's measured performance.

The percentile rankings reinforce this view: the Core i3 sits at the 55th percentile among all CPUs, while the Xeon sits at the 54th. The 1-percentage-point difference is small in absolute terms, but the head-to-head results show the Core i3's advantage is consistent and repeatable across all test conditions.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the two processors:

| Specification | Intel Core i3-12300 | Intel Xeon E-2186G |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 60 W | 95 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Coffee Lake |

| Codename | Alder Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S WS |

| Generation | Core i3 (Alder Lake-S) | Xeon E (Coffee Lake) |

| Process node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die size | 163 mm² | 154 mm² |

| L1 cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 12 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

| Memory bandwidth | Not recorded | 42.7 GB/s |

| ECC memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | HD Graphics P630 |

| Market segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Production status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release date | Not recorded | 2018-05-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $143 | $506 |

| Part number | SRL61 | SR3WR |

The Core i3-12300 has a lower TDP of 60 W compared to the Xeon's 95 W, making it more power-efficient while delivering higher benchmark scores. The Xeon has a higher launch MSRP of $506, while the Core i3 has a launch MSRP of $143, a notable difference in initial cost. Both processors have locked multipliers, meaning they are not unlocked for overclocking.