Intel Core i5-4460S vs Intel Xeon W-2104 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a clear, one-sided picture in direct comparisons. The Intel Xeon W-2104 wins all six head-to-head benchmark tests against the Intel Core i5-4460S, with the margin staying remarkably consistent across both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The smallest recorded delta is 17.9% in the Cinebench R15 single-core test, where the Xeon scores 66 against the Core i5's 56. The same 17.9% gap appears in Cinebench R20 single-core, with scores of 276 versus 234. This consistency suggests the per-core advantage is fundamental to the architecture rather than workload-specific.

Multi-core results tell the same story with slightly larger margins. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon W-2104 scores 470 versus 398, a delta of 18.1%. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 1960 against 1661, an 18% difference. The Cinebench R23 multi-core test records 4669 for the Xeon and 3955 for the Core i5, again an 18.1% gap. Since both processors have four cores and four threads, the multi-core advantage cannot be attributed to additional parallel resources; it reflects the Xeon's higher sustained throughput per core.

The most interesting observation is the uniformity of the margins. Whether the workload is single-threaded or multi-threaded, the delta hovers between 17.9% and 18.1%. This implies the performance difference stems from clock behavior and memory subsystem efficiency rather than scaling characteristics. The Xeon W-2104's base clock of 3.20 GHz against the Core i5-4460S's 2.90 GHz base (with a 3.40 GHz boost) explains part of the gap, but the near-identical percentages across all test generations indicate a stable structural advantage.

The average benchmark score reinforces the head-to-head result, though the gap narrows. The Xeon W-2104 averages 1350 points, while the Core i5-4460S averages 1330. That is only a 1.5% difference in the aggregate metric, which includes a broader benchmark suite than the Cinebench tests. The Cinebench-specific deltas are much larger, suggesting the two CPUs are closer in other workloads not shown in the head-to-head set, and the Xeon's wins in the direct comparisons are concentrated in rendering-style tasks.

Percentile rankings place both CPUs in the lower-middle tier of all processors. The Xeon W-2104 sits at the 36th percentile, while the Core i5-4460S ranks at the 35th percentile. The nearest rivals listed rivals list for the Xeon's nearest rival data shows the Xeon W-2104's Xeon W-2104's nearest rivals list includes the Intel Core i5-4460S's nearest the Intel Core i5-4460S list includes the Intel Core i5-4460S, Intel Core i5-2500K at 1329, Intel Core i5-7400T at 1348, Intel Core i5-4670 at 1347, Intel Core i5-4590T at 1340, Intel Core i5-760 at 1337, Intel Celeron G6900T at 1321, Intel Celeron G6900E at 1321, Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 at 1357, Intel Core i5-2500K at 1329, Intel Core i5-7400T at 1348, Intel Core i5-4670 at 1347, Intel Core i5-4590T at 1340, Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 at 1357, Intel Core i5-760 at 1337, Intel Celeron G6900T at 1321, and Intel Celeron G6900E at 1321. Both CPUs are clustered within a narrow band of 1321 to 1357 points, confirming they occupy a similar performance tier despite the Xeon's decisive Cinebench victories.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2104 wins every single-core test recorded. In Cinebench R15 single-core, it scores 66 against the Core i5-4460S's 56, a 17.9% advantage. The Cinebench R20 single-core result is 276 versus 234, and the R23 single-core result is 659 versus 558, both also 17.9% and 18.1% respective deltas.

Q: What is the difference in multi-threaded rendering performance?

A: The Xeon W-2104 leads in Cinebench R15 multi-core with 470 versus 398 (18.1%), Cinebench R20 multi-core with 1960 versus 1661 (18%), and Cinebench R23 multi-core with 4669 versus 3955 (18.1%). Both CPUs have four cores and four threads, so the advantage comes from per-core efficiency.

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

A: The Xeon W-2104 has an average benchmark score of 1350, while the Core i5-4460S averages 1330. The Xeon's average is 1.5% higher, a much smaller margin than the Cinebench-specific results, indicating the aggregate metric includes workloads where the two are closer.

Q: Which CPU has better memory bandwidth?

A: The Xeon W-2104 supports DDR4 memory on a quad-channel bus, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s. The Core i5-4460S uses DDR3 on a dual-channel bus, with 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon's memory bandwidth is more than three times higher according to the recorded figures.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes for the Xeon W-2104, which has ECC memory support enabled. The Core i5-4460S does not support ECC memory, which is a notable distinction given the Xeon's server and workstation market segment.

Q: What are the percentile rankings for each CPU?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2104 sits at the 36th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core i5-4460S sits at the 35th percentile. Both are effectively adjacent in the overall performance distribution.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural eras and manufacturing processes. The Intel Xeon W-2104 is built on Skylake-W architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the Intel Core i5-4460S uses Haswell architecture on a 22 nm node. The die sizes reflect this gap: the Xeon W-2104 has a die size of 484 mm², while the Core i5-4460S measures 177 mm². The Core i5-4460S has a recorded transistor count of 1,400 million; no transistor count is recorded for the Xeon W-2104.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache differs: the Xeon W-2104 has 1 MB per core, while the Core i5-4460S has 256 KB per core. The shared L3 cache is 8.25 MB on the Xeon versus 6 MB on the Core i5. This larger cache allocation likely contributes to the Xeon's consistent single-threaded advantage, as more data can reside closer to the execution units.

Memory architecture is a major differentiator. The Xeon W-2104 supports DDR4 memory over a quad-channel bus, providing 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core i5-4460S supports DDR3 over a dual-channel bus, with 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon's memory bandwidth advantage is over threefold, which matters for workloads that stream large data sets. The Core i5-4460S includes integrated graphics in the form of Intel HD 4600, while the Xeon W-2104 has no integrated graphics recorded, consistent with its workstation orientation where a discrete GPU is expected.

PCIe lane availability also differs. The Xeon W-2104 provides Gen 3 with 48 lanes from the CPU, while the Core i5-4460S provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes. This makes the Xeon better suited for multiple accelerators or high-bandwidth peripherals, a typical workstation requirement. The sockets reflect this: the Xeon uses Intel Socket 2066, while the Core i5 uses Intel Socket 1150. The production status for both is end-of-life, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The release dates place the Core i5-4460S earlier, launched in 2014, while the Xeon W-2104 arrived in 2017. The Xeon targets the server and workstation market segment, while the Core i5 is a desktop part. The Xeon's part number is SR3LH and the Core i5's is SR1QQ.

Specification Differences

The base clock differs: the Xeon W-2104 runs at 3.20 GHz, while the Core i5-4460S runs at 2.90 GHz. The Core i5-4460S has a boost clock of 3.40 GHz, while no boost clock is recorded for the Xeon W-2104. Thermal design power differs significantly: the Xeon W-2104 has a TDP of 120 watts, while the Core i5-4460S has a TDP of 65 watts. The Xeon consumes nearly twice the power envelope, which aligns with its higher base clock and larger die.

Memory support differs: the Xeon uses DDR4, the Core i5 uses DDR3. The memory bus is quad-channel on the Xeon and dual-channel on the Core i5. Memory bandwidth is 85.3 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s. ECC memory support is present on the Xeon but absent on the Core i5. PCIe lane counts differ, with 48 lanes on the Xeon and 16 on the Core i5. The Xeon has no integrated graphics, while the Core i5 includes Intel HD 4600. The sockets differ, with the Xeon on Intel Socket 2066 and the Core i5 on Intel Socket 1150. The market segments differ, with the Xeon as server or workstation and the Core i5 as desktop. The process nodes differ: 14 nm for the Xeon, 22 nm for the Core i5. The die sizes are 484 mm² and 177 mm² respectively, and the transistor count for the Core i5 is 1,400 million, with none recorded for the Xeon. The launch MSRP for the Xeon W-2104 is $255, and the launch MSRP for the Core i5-4460S is $182.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates the Intel Xeon W-2104 is the faster processor in every recorded Cinebench test. The deltas range from 17.9% to 18.1%, which is a meaningful and consistent margin. The Xeon's advantage in single-threaded tests, despite only a 0.30 GHz base clock difference, suggests architectural efficiency and cache capacity play a role. Its L3 cache of 8.25 MB versus 6 MB and its larger per-core L2 cache likely reduce memory stalls.

The Core i5-4460S does have a boost clock of 3.40 GHz, which the Xeon lacks in the recorded data. Yet the Xeon still wins single-threaded tests, meaning its base clock plus architectural advantages outweigh the Core i5's boost capability. The Xeon's massive memory bandwidth advantage, 85.3 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s, makes it the better choice for memory-intensive workloads in server or workstation settings.

However, the average benchmark scores tell a more nuanced story. The Xeon averages 1350 versus 1350, 1.5% above the Core i5's 1330, and the 1330, the Xeon-2104's average is 1350 versus 1330, 1.5% above the Core i5's 1330, and the 1330 average of the Core i5-4460S, 1.5% lower than the Xeon's 1350. The percentile rankings are nearly identical at 36 and 35. This indicates that outside the Cinebench suite, the two CPUs perform at a similar level. The Xeon's wins are real but concentrated in specific rendering workloads.

For a user choosing between these two end-of-life parts, the Xeon W-2104 is the clear winner in raw compute benchmarks. The Core i5-4460S offers a lower TDP and integrated graphics, which could matter in a low-power desktop build. But the recorded performance data favors the Xeon across the board in the head-to-head tests. The Xeon's higher TDP and workstation platform requirements are the trade-offs for its performance lead.

The Core i5-4460S wins no head-to-head tests in the database. Its only advantages are qualitative: integrated graphics, lower TDP, and a lower launch MSRP. For users who require ECC memory, quad-channel bandwidth, or 48 PCIe lanes, the Xeon is the only viable choice. For users who need integrated graphics or minimal power draw, the Core i5 has a purpose. The data does not support a performance-based argument for the Core i5.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon W-2104 wins in every measured Cinebench scenario. Multi-threaded rendering favors it by 18.1% in Cinebench R15, 18% in R20, and 18.1% in R23. Single-threaded rendering favors it by 17.9% in R15 and R20, and 18.1% in R23. The Xeon also wins on memory bandwidth with 85.3 GB/s, on L3 cache size with 8.25 MB, on L2 cache with 1 MB per core, on PCIe lane count with 48, and on ECC memory support. Its base clock of 3.20 GHz is higher than the Core i5's 2.90 GHz. The Xeon's die size and process node reflect a more advanced manufacturing process.

The Intel Core i5-4460S wins in the categories where the recorded data favors it. It has a boost clock of 3.40 GHz, which the Xeon lacks. Its TDP is 65 watts versus 120 watts, meaning it can be cooled and powered more easily in a desktop chassis. It includes integrated graphics with Intel HD 4600, so a discrete GPU is not required for basic display output. Its launch MSRP is $182 versus $255, though the production status of both is end-of-life. Its transistor count of 1,400 million is recorded, while the Xeon's is not. The Core i5's socket, Intel Socket 1150, is a mainstream desktop platform, whereas the Xeon's Socket 2066 targets workstation boards.

In the aggregate benchmark score, the Xeon leads by 1.5%, but the Core i5's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-2500K at 1329 and the Intel Celeron G6900T at 1321, showing it sits in a similar performance neighborhood. The Xeon's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-4670 at 1347 and the Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 at 1357, placing it slightly higher in the same cluster. For use cases that demand maximum Cinebench throughput, memory bandwidth, or ECC reliability, the Xeon W-2104 is the data-backed choice. For use cases that prioritize low power draw, integrated graphics, or a smaller platform footprint, the Core i5-4460S has measurable advantages, but not in raw compute benchmarks.