CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i5-1130G7 is the clear benchmark winner over the Intel Xeon E-2124G in every recorded test, despite the Xeon’s higher boost clock and server-oriented pedigree. The data shows a decisive sweep: the Core i5-1130G7 wins all six head-to-head comparisons, with a consistent performance advantage of roughly 13% across both single-core and multi-core workloads. However, the Xeon E-2124G retains a distinct purpose in workstation environments, primarily due to its ECC memory support, larger L3 cache per thread, and its status as an end-of-life server part with a dedicated market segment. This analysis breaks down the architectural divide, benchmark deltas, and the specific use-cases where each processor still holds relevance.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-1130G7 wins every multi-core test. It scores 706 vs 613 in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 2942 vs 2558 in R20, and 7006 vs 6092 in R23, representing a 13.1% to 13.2% advantage over the Xeon E-2124G.

Q: Is the Xeon E-2124G faster in single-core tasks?

A: No. The Core i5-1130G7 also dominates single-core benchmarks, scoring 99 vs 86 in Cinebench R15 single-core and 989 vs 860 in R23 single-core. The Xeon’s higher 4.50 GHz boost clock does not translate into a win.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Xeon E-2124G has an average benchmark score of 2034, while the Core i5-1130G7 averages 2026. The Core i5’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE, scores 2025, showing the two CPUs sit in a very similar overall performance tier.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E-2124G supports ECC memory, making it suitable for error-correcting workstation workloads. The Core i5-1130G7 does not support ECC, which is a significant difference for stability-critical applications.

Q: Which CPU has a more advanced manufacturing process?

A: The Core i5-1130G7 is built on Intel’s 10 nm process, while the Xeon E-2124G uses the older 14 nm node. This architectural advantage is reflected in the Core i5’s lower 15 W TDP compared to the Xeon’s 71 W TDP.

Q: What is the release date and status of each processor?

A: The Xeon E-2124G was released on 2018-07-11 and is marked as end-of-life. The Core i5-1130G7 was released on 2020-09-01 and is listed as active production.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural split is between a 14 nm Coffee Lake-S WS server chip and a 10 nm Tiger Lake-U mobile processor. The Xeon E-2124G uses the Coffee Lake architecture with a 126 mm² die size, while the Core i5-1130G7 utilizes the newer Willow Cove-U cores on a 10 nm node, though no die size is listed for the latter.

Core counts are identical at 4, but threading differs: the Xeon offers 4 threads (no hyperthreading), while the Core i5 provides 8 threads. Cache hierarchies also diverge significantly. The Xeon has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 8 MB shared L3. The Core i5 has larger per-core caches: 96 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core, but the same 8 MB shared L3. This means the Core i5 has roughly 4.9x more L2 cache per core, which aids in faster data access for repetitive workloads.

Memory support is where the Xeon pulls ahead for reliability. Both support DDR4 dual-channel, but the Xeon’s memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s with ECC support, while the Core i5 offers a higher 68.3 GB/s bandwidth but no ECC. PCIe generations also differ: the Xeon uses Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the Core i5 uses newer Gen 4 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics differ as well, the Xeon has HD Graphics P630, whereas the Core i5 features Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU, which is a more capable iGPU for media tasks.

The Xeon is a server/workstation part on Intel Socket 1151, while the Core i5 is a mobile processor on Intel BGA 1598. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $218, but the Core i5 has no listed launch MSRP. Production statuses are also opposite: the Xeon is end-of-life, and the Core i5 is active.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unambiguous: the Core i5-1130G7 wins all six recorded comparisons, with no wins for the Xeon E-2124G. The performance gap is consistent across every test, hovering near 13% in favor of the mobile chip.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core i5 scores 706 against the Xeon’s 613, a delta of -13.2% for the Xeon. The single-core R15 test shows a similar pattern: 99 vs 86, a -13.1% gap. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 2942 for the Core i5 vs 2558 for the Xeon (-13.1%), and the single-core is 415 vs 361 (-13%). The latest Cinebench R23 results continue the trend: multi-core is 7006 vs 6092 (-13%), and single-core is 989 vs 860 (-13%).

These numbers indicate that the Core i5’s advantage is not workload-specific but rather a broad architectural superiority. The 10 nm node and hyperthreading likely contribute to the multi-core gains, while the higher per-core L2 cache and newer Willow Cove cores drive the single-core wins. The Xeon’s higher 4.50 GHz boost clock cannot overcome the IPC (instructions per clock) improvements of the Core i5.

Notably, the Xeon’s average benchmark score of 2034 places it near the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U (2035) and Intel Core i7-3960X (2037). The Core i5-1130G7’s average of 2026 is close to the Intel Core i5-1145GRE (2025), meaning both CPUs occupy the same performance percentile (45th) among all CPUs, despite the Core i5’s dominance in this direct comparison.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every hardware aspect except for core count and shared L3 cache. The Xeon E-2124G has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Core i5-1130G7 has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are drastically different: the Xeon runs at 3.40 GHz base, while the Core i5’s base is listed as 1100.00 MHz (which is likely a low-power mobile base), though the Core i5’s boost reaches 4.00 GHz vs the Xeon’s 4.50 GHz.

TDP is a major separator: the Xeon consumes 71 W, while the Core i5 uses only 15 W. This makes the Core i5 far more power-efficient. Sockets are incompatible: LGA 1151 vs BGA 1598. The process node is 14 nm for the Xeon and 10 nm for the Core i5. Memory bandwidth favors the Core i5 (68.3 GB/s vs 42.7 GB/s), but ECC support is exclusive to the Xeon. PCIe generation favors the Core i5 (Gen 4 vs Gen 3), though both have 16 lanes.

The integrated graphics differ: HD Graphics P630 on the Xeon vs Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU on the Core i5. The Xeon has a die size of 126 mm², while the Core i5’s is not listed. The Xeon is end-of-life with a launch MSRP of $218, while the Core i5 is active with no listed MSRP. The Xeon has a listed part number (SR3WL), while the Core i5 does not.

The Verdict

The data is decisive: the Intel Core i5-1130G7 is the superior processor in raw performance, winning every benchmark by roughly 13%. For general computing, multi-threaded productivity, and single-core responsiveness, the Core i5 is the clear choice based on the benchmark results. Its 8 threads, larger per-core L2 cache, and 10 nm process deliver measurable wins across all Cinebench versions.

The Xeon E-2124G, however, is not without merit. Its ECC memory support is a hard requirement for certain workstation and server environments where data integrity is paramount. The Xeon’s 71 W TDP and dedicated server/workstation market segment suggest it is built for sustained, reliability-focused workloads rather than peak throughput. Its end-of-life status also indicates it is a legacy part, but for existing systems with LGA 1151 sockets, it remains a viable upgrade path.

From a pure benchmark perspective, the Core i5 wins 6-0. But the verdict depends on context: if you need ECC and a socketed workstation CPU, the Xeon is the only option here. If you prioritize performance, power efficiency, and a modern node, the Core i5 is the winner. The data does not support any scenario where the Xeon outperforms the Core i5 in compute speed.

Where Each One Wins

Intel Core i5-1130G7 wins in:

• All multi-core benchmarks: 13.1% faster in Cinebench R15 (706 vs 613), R20 (2942 vs 2558), and R23 (7006 vs 6092).
• All single-core benchmarks: 13.1% faster in R15 (99 vs 86) and 13% faster in R20 (415 vs 361) and R23 (989 vs 860).
• Power-constrained mobile applications: 15 W TDP vs 71 W, making it suitable for laptops and ultrabooks.
• Memory bandwidth: 68.3 GB/s vs 42.7 GB/s, benefiting memory-intensive tasks.
• Modern connectivity: PCIe Gen 4 support vs Gen 3, and a newer 10 nm process.

Intel Xeon E-2124G wins in:

• ECC memory support: a feature absent on the Core i5, critical for error-free computation in server/storage workloads.
• Sustained workstation operation: designed for the server/workstation market segment with a 71 W TDP, indicating a higher thermal ceiling for continuous load.
• Socketed upgrade path: LGA 1151 allows for system replacement, whereas the Core i5 is soldered (BGA 1598).
• Legacy integration: as an end-of-life part, it can be used in existing Coffee Lake platforms without a motherboard change.