CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E-2124 and Intel Core i5-4670K are both 4-core, 4-thread processors, but they represent vastly different eras and market segments. The Xeon E-2124, a Coffee Lake workstation part from 2018, consistently outperforms the older Haswell-based Core i5-4670K from 2013 by roughly 20% across every single benchmark in the data. While their average benchmark scores are nearly identical (1658 vs. 1656), the head-to-head Cinebench results reveal a clear and consistent generational advantage for the Xeon. The Core i5-4670K retains one notable advantage: an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, which the Xeon lacks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2124 has an average benchmark score of 1658, while the Intel Core i5-4670K scores 1656. The delta between them is a mere 0.2%, making them effectively tied in aggregate performance.

Q: How much faster is the Xeon E-2124 in multi-core workloads?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon E-2124 scores 5734, which is 20.7% higher than the Core i5-4670K's 4751. The delta is consistent across other multi-core tests: 20.7% in Cinebench R15 (577 vs. 478) and 20.7% in Cinebench R20 (2408 vs. 1995).

Q: Does the Core i5-4670K support ECC memory?

A: No. The Core i5-4670K does not support ECC memory. The Xeon E-2124 does support ECC memory, which is a key feature for server and workstation use.

Q: What is the difference in their process nodes?

A: The Xeon E-2124 is built on a 14 nm process, while the Core i5-4670K uses a larger 22 nm process. The newer node contributes to the Xeon's efficiency and higher clock speeds.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2124 has a boost clock of 4.30 GHz, which is significantly higher than the Core i5-4670K's 3.80 GHz boost clock. The Xeon also has a lower base clock of 3.30 GHz compared to 3.40 GHz on the i5.

Q: Are these processors in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E-2124 and the Intel Core i5-4670K are in the 40th percentile when compared to all CPUs, according to the data.

Architecture Differences

The Xeon E-2124 and Core i5-4670K are built on fundamentally different architectures from different generations. The Xeon E-2124 uses the Coffee Lake architecture (specifically Coffee Lake-S WS) on a 14 nm process node, while the Core i5-4670K is based on the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm node. This generational leap explains many of the performance differences.

The Xeon features a larger L3 cache at 8 MB shared, compared to the i5's 6 MB shared. Both have the same per-core L1 (64 KB) and L2 (256 KB) cache configurations. The memory support also differs significantly: the Xeon supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the i5 supports older DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and no listed bandwidth figure.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The Xeon E-2124 includes UHD Graphics P630, while the Core i5-4670K has Intel HD 4600. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, a critical feature for workstation reliability, while the i5 does not. The market segments reflect this: the Xeon is a Server/Workstation part, while the i5 is a Desktop part. The Xeon is listed as end-of-life, and its part number is SR3WQ, while the i5's part number is SR14A.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data tells a remarkably consistent story: the Xeon E-2124 wins every single head-to-head comparison, and by a nearly identical margin each time. Across all six Cinebench tests, the Xeon's advantage is a steady 20.6% to 20.9% over the Core i5-4670K.

In single-core performance, the Xeon leads with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 809 versus the i5's 670, a 20.7% advantage. The gap is similar in Cinebench R20 single-core (339 vs. 281, a 20.6% delta) and Cinebench R15 single-core (81 vs. 67, a 20.9% delta). This shows the Xeon's higher 4.30 GHz boost clock provides a substantial per-thread performance lead over the i5's 3.80 GHz boost.

Multi-core results follow the same pattern. The Xeon scores 5734 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, beating the i5's 4751 by 20.7%. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the Xeon scores 2408 against 1995, also a 20.7% delta. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows 577 for the Xeon and 478 for the i5, a 20.7% lead. The consistency of these margins indicates that the Xeon's advantage is uniform across workloads, not just in specific scenarios.

It is notably the Core i5-4670K has additional Geekbench scores in its benchmark list (3700 multi-core and 1302 single-core), but the Xeon E-2124 does not have corresponding Geekbench results in the data, so a direct comparison on that test is not possible.

Specification Differences

The key specification differences between the two processors are clear. The Xeon E-2124 has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz, while the Core i5-4670K has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The Xeon's TDP is 71 watts, lower than the i5's 84 watts, despite its higher boost clock.

The sockets are incompatible: the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5 uses Intel Socket 1150. The process node differs (14 nm vs. 22 nm), and the die size is smaller on the Xeon at 126 mm² compared to the i5's 177 mm². The i5 has a listed transistor count of 1,400 million, while the Xeon's transistor count is not provided.

Memory support is a major differentiator. The Xeon supports DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while the i5 supports DDR3 with no bandwidth figure listed. ECC memory is supported only on the Xeon. The PCIe configuration also differs: the Xeon lists "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)", while the i5 simply lists "Gen 3".

The integrated graphics are different (UHD Graphics P630 vs. Intel HD 4600). The multiplier is unlocked on the Core i5-4670K, allowing for overclocking, while the Xeon's multiplier is locked. The release dates are separated by over five years: the Xeon was released in July 2018, and the i5 was released in June 2013. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $198.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E-2124 is the clear winner in every benchmark category measured. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads. For any task that relies on raw CPU throughput, whether that is rendering, compiling, or heavy multitasking, the Xeon's 20%+ advantage makes it the superior choice. Its support for ECC memory and DDR4 also positions it as the better option for workstation stability and modern platform features.

The Core i5-4670K's only advantage is its unlocked multiplier. For enthusiasts who prioritize overclocking and are willing to manually tune their system, the i5 offers flexibility that the Xeon does not. However, the data shows that even with this overclocking potential, the i5's stock performance is significantly behind the Xeon's. The i5 also has Geekbench scores listed, which the Xeon lacks, but this is a data availability difference rather than a performance win.

For a new build, the Xeon E-2124 is the stronger processor in every measurable way. The i5-4670K is an older part on a dead-end platform (Socket 1150) that would only make sense for someone with an existing compatible motherboard and a preference for overclocking.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2124 outperforms the Intel Core i5-4670K by roughly 20% across all Cinebench tests, with deltas ranging from 20.6% to 20.9%. The Xeon achieves this with a lower TDP (71W vs. 84W), a smaller die (126 mm² vs. 177 mm²), and a newer 14 nm process. It also brings modern features like DDR4 memory support, ECC memory, and a higher 4.30 GHz boost clock.

The Core i5-4670K's only claim to relevance is its unlocked multiplier, which enables overclocking. If you have an existing Socket 1150 system and are willing to push the silicon, it could still serve for light gaming or general use. But the data shows its stock performance is squarely behind the Xeon, and its platform lacks the memory and ECC support of the newer part.

For a workstation or server build, the Xeon E-2124 is the definitive choice. For a desktop user with an old Haswell motherboard, the i5-4670K might have nostalgic value, but the performance gap is too large to recommend it for new purchases. The Xeon wins on every benchmark, offers better efficiency, and supports features that matter for reliability. The verdict is straightforward: the Xeon E-2124 is the superior processor.