CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8350K
Xeon E-2224G
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i3-8350K vs Intel Xeon E-2224G
The Intel Xeon E-2224G and Intel Core i3-8350K are both 14 nm Coffee Lake parts with four cores and four threads, but they target different segments of the market. The Xeon E-2224G is a server/workstation processor, while the Core i3-8350K is a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier. Benchmark data shows a clear split: the Xeon wins all six Cinebench tests, while the Core i3 wins both Geekbench tests. This division points to different strengths in rendering versus general-purpose workloads, which the data below examines in detail.
Where Each One Wins
The Xeon E-2224G dominates in rendering workloads. It wins every Cinebench iteration in the head-to-head comparison, covering R15, R20, and R23 in both multi-core and single-core tests. The largest margin of victory is 8.9% in Cinebench R20 single-core, while the smallest is 8.4% in Cinebench R15 single-core. Across the six Cinebench tests, the Xeon consistently leads by roughly 8.4% to 8.9%, indicating a uniform advantage in this specific rendering benchmark suite.
The Core i3-8350K, by contrast, wins decisively in Geekbench multi-core. Its score of 4992 is 13.9% higher than the Xeon’s 4299, representing the largest performance gap in either direction across all eight head-to-head tests. The Core i3 also wins Geekbench single-core, though by a slim 1.9% margin (1564 vs 1535). This suggests the Core i3 has an edge in workloads that resemble Geekbench’s mixed integer and floating-point tasks, particularly when all cores are active.
In terms of raw win counts, the Xeon takes 6 out of 8 benchmarks, while the Core i3 takes 2. However, the magnitude of the Core i3’s Geekbench multi-core win is substantially larger than any single Cinebench win for the Xeon. The data therefore shows the Xeon as the better choice for Cinebench-style rendering, while the Core i3 is better suited for Geekbench-style general-purpose computing.
Architecture Differences
Both processors share the same fundamental architecture: Coffee Lake on a 14 nm process, with a 126 mm² die size and Intel as the foundry. The cache hierarchy is identical, featuring 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Both support DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration, and both use Intel Socket 1151 with Gen 3 PCIe (16 lanes from the CPU). ECC memory is supported on both parts, which is notable for the desktop-oriented Core i3.
The key architectural distinctions lie in clock speeds and memory bandwidth. The Xeon E-2224G has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, while the Core i3-8350K has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and no listed boost clock. This means the Core i3 runs at a higher fixed frequency, but the Xeon can boost higher under load. Memory bandwidth also differs: the Xeon supports 42.7 GB/s, while the Core i3 supports 38.4 GB/s, giving the Xeon a 4.3 GB/s advantage in theoretical memory throughput.
The integrated graphics differ as well. The Xeon uses HD Graphics P630, while the Core i3 uses UHD Graphics 630. The Xeon is classified as a server/workstation part, released on 2019-05-28, whereas the Core i3 is a desktop part released on 2017-10-04. The Core i3 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, while the Xeon does not. The Xeon’s part number is SRFAW, and the Core i3’s is SR3N4.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The Xeon E-2224G’s strongest showing comes in Cinebench R20 single-core, where it scores 379 versus the Core i3’s 348, a delta of 8.9%. This is the highest percentage win for the Xeon. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon scores 6398 versus 5884, a delta of 8.7%, which represents the largest absolute point difference in the Xeon’s favor (514 points). The Xeon also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core with 644 vs 593 (8.6% delta), Cinebench R20 multi-core with 2687 vs 2471 (8.7% delta), and Cinebench R23 single-core with 903 vs 830 (8.8% delta). Even the smallest Xeon win, Cinebench R15 single-core at 90 vs 83, is a solid 8.4% lead.
The Core i3-8350K’s biggest win is Geekbench multi-core, where it scores 4992 versus the Xeon’s 4299. That 693-point gap translates to a 13.9% delta, making this the single most lopsided result in the comparison. The Core i3’s other win, Geekbench single-core, is much narrower: 1564 vs 1535, a 1.9% delta. Notably, the Core i3’s Geekbench multi-core score of 4992 is higher than its own Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5884 relative to the Xeon, which suggests the Core i3’s advantage is workload-specific rather than a general multi-core superiority.
The pattern is consistent: in every Cinebench test, the Xeon leads by a similar margin (8.4% to 8.9%), while in Geekbench, the Core i3 leads, with the multi-core advantage being far more pronounced than the single-core one. The average benchmark scores reflect this split, the Xeon averages 2117, and the Core i3 averages 2096, a difference of only 1.0%. Both processors sit at the 46th percentile among all CPUs.
FAQ
Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?
A: The Intel Xeon E-2224G has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i3-8350K has no listed boost clock, only a 4.00 GHz base clock.
Q: What is the difference in Cinebench R23 multi-core scores?
A: The Xeon E-2224G scores 6398, and the Core i3-8350K scores 5884. The Xeon leads by 8.7%, a difference of 514 points.
Q: Does the Core i3-8350K support ECC memory?
A: Yes, the Core i3-8350K supports ECC memory, matching the Xeon E-2224G in this regard.
Q: Which processor has a higher memory bandwidth?
A: The Xeon E-2224G supports 42.7 GB/s, while the Core i3-8350K supports 38.4 GB/s, giving the Xeon a 4.3 GB/s advantage.
Q: What is the largest performance gap in either direction?
A: The Core i3-8350K wins Geekbench multi-core by 13.9% (4992 vs 4299), which is the largest delta in the entire head-to-head set.
Q: Are both processors on the same process node?
A: Yes, both the Xeon E-2224G and Core i3-8350K are built on Intel’s 14 nm process, with identical die sizes of 126 mm².
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2224G | Intel Core i3-8350K |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 4.00 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | None listed |
| TDP | 71 W | 91 W |
| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |
| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics P630 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |
| Release Date | 2019-05-28 | 2017-10-04 |
| Launch MSRP | $213 | $168 |
| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |
| Part Number | SRFAW | SR3N4 |
| Generation | Xeon E (Coffee Lake) | Core i3 (Coffee Lake) |
Both processors share identical core counts (4), thread counts (4), sockets (Intel Socket 1151), cache sizes (64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, 8 MB L3), memory support (DDR4, dual-channel), PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), and ECC support (yes). The Xeon has a lower base clock but a higher boost clock, while the Core i3 has a higher base clock and no boost clock listed. The Xeon’s TDP is 20 W lower, and it has higher memory bandwidth. The Core i3 is the only one with an unlocked multiplier.
The Verdict
The data indicates that the Intel Xeon E-2224G is the stronger performer for Cinebench-based rendering workloads. It wins all six Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 8.4% to 8.9%. The Xeon also offers higher memory bandwidth (42.7 GB/s vs 38.4 GB/s) and a lower TDP (71 W vs 91 W), which are relevant for workstation environments. Its launch MSRP was $213, which is higher than the Core i3’s $168.
The Intel Core i3-8350K, however, is the clear winner in Geekbench multi-core, with a 13.9% lead over the Xeon. This suggests that for general-purpose computing tasks that resemble Geekbench’s workload mix, the Core i3 is more capable, despite its lower average benchmark score. The Core i3 also has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking, which the Xeon lacks. Its higher base clock of 4.00 GHz may contribute to its Geekbench single-core win (1.9% delta).
For users prioritizing rendering performance, the Xeon E-2224G is the data-backed choice. For users prioritizing Geekbench-style multi-core performance and overclocking flexibility, the Core i3-8350K is the better fit. The overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical (2117 vs 2096, a 1.0% difference), so the decision hinges entirely on the specific workload. The Xeon’s server/workstation classification and ECC support, combined with its Cinebench dominance, make it the more specialized part, while the Core i3’s desktop orientation and Geekbench strength offer broader general-purpose appeal.