CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i5-6600 and Intel Xeon E-2224 are both 4-core, 4-thread processors built on Intel’s 14 nm process, but they target different market segments and deliver markedly different performance profiles. The Xeon E-2224 wins all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with margins ranging from 15.1% to 15.5% across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests. While both processors occupy the same 41st percentile in the global CPU benchmark distribution, the Xeon achieves this with an average benchmark score of 1762 versus the Core i5-6600’s 1744, a difference that reflects its higher clock speeds and newer architecture.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2224 boosts up to 4.60 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-6600 reaches 3.90 GHz. This 700 MHz advantage contributes to the Xeon’s consistent single-core wins.

Q: Does the Xeon E-2224 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Xeon E-2224 has ECC memory support, while the Core i5-6600 does not. This makes the Xeon suitable for error-correcting workloads in server or workstation environments.

Q: How large is the L3 cache difference?

A: The Xeon E-2224 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, compared to 6 MB on the Core i5-6600. The Xeon’s larger cache is paired with a newer Coffee Lake architecture.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each CPU?

A: The Xeon E-2224 averages 1762 across all benchmark tests, while the Core i5-6600 averages 1744. The Xeon’s nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 5 2400GE at 1766, while the Core i5-6600’s closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-8269U at 1748.

Q: Which processor was released more recently?

A: The Xeon E-2224 was released on May 28, 2019, whereas the Core i5-6600 launched on June 30, 2015. The Xeon is nearly four years newer in release timing.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. Both are locked parts, meaning their clock speeds are fixed by Intel’s specifications.

Architecture Differences

The Core i5-6600 is built on the Skylake architecture, while the Xeon E-2224 uses Coffee Lake. Both are manufactured on Intel’s 14 nm process, but the die sizes differ substantially: the Core i5-6600 has a die size of 177 mm², whereas the Xeon E-2224 is more compact at 126 mm². This size reduction in the Coffee Lake design does not come at the cost of performance, as the Xeon’s benchmarks demonstrate.

The cache hierarchy shows both processors share the same per-core L1 (64 KB) and L2 (256 KB) configurations, but the L3 cache differs: the Core i5-6600 has 6 MB shared, while the Xeon E-2224 has 8 MB shared. This 2 MB difference can improve hit rates for data-intensive workloads. Memory support also diverges, the Core i5-6600 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the Xeon E-2224 supports only DDR4. The Xeon’s memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s, a notable step above the Core i5-6600’s 34.1 GB/s.

The integrated graphics differ as well, with the Core i5-6600 featuring UHD Graphics 530 and the Xeon E-2224 sporting UHD Graphics P630. The Xeon also carries ECC memory support, a feature absent from the Core i5, which aligns with its Server/Workstation market segment. Both processors use the same Intel Socket 1151, have 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and feature dual-channel memory buses. The Xeon’s base clock is 3.40 GHz versus 3.30 GHz on the Core i5, and its boost clock reaches 4.60 GHz versus 3.90 GHz.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2224 outperforms the Intel Core i5-6600 in every benchmark test recorded. With a 15.3% lead in Cinebench R15 multicore, a 15.1% lead in R15 single-core, and identical 15.3% margins in R20 and R23 multicore tests, the Xeon is the superior choice for raw computational performance. Its higher boost clock (4.60 GHz vs 3.90 GHz), larger L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and newer Coffee Lake architecture all contribute to this consistent advantage.

For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, the Xeon’s 15.1% to 15.5% wins across all Cinebench single-core tests make it the clear pick. The Core i5-6600’s only advantages are its lower TDP (35 W vs 71 W) and its support for both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, which may appeal to legacy system builders. However, for anyone choosing between these two processors based on benchmark data, the Xeon E-2224 wins on every measurable performance metric. The Core i5-6600 retains relevance only in scenarios where power consumption or older memory compatibility outweigh the substantial performance deficit.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-6600 | Intel Xeon E-2224 |

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

| Base Clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 71 W |

| Architecture | Skylake | Coffee Lake |

| Die Size | 177 mm² | 126 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 530 | UHD Graphics P630 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Release Date | 2015-06-30 | 2019-05-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $224 | $193 |

Both processors share identical core and thread counts (4 cores, 4 threads), the same 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 cache per core, dual-channel memory buses, and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, and both are marked end-of-life.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Xeon E-2224 wins all six head-to-head comparisons, with the largest margins appearing in single-core tests. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Xeon scores 86 against the Core i5-6600’s 73, a 15.1% advantage. The Cinebench R20 single-core test shows a slightly larger gap: 361 vs 305, representing a 15.5% lead. The R23 single-core test sees the Xeon reach 860 versus 728, another 15.3% margin.

Multicore results follow a similar pattern. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon scores 614 versus 520, a 15.3% win. The R20 multicore test shows 2559 against 2167, also a 15.3% difference. Finally, R23 multicore gives the Xeon 6093 and the Core i5-6600 5161, with the same 15.3% delta. Across all tests, the Xeon’s advantage is remarkably consistent, hovering between 15.1% and 15.5%.

The Geekbench results from the the benchmark database show the Core i5-6600 achieves a multicore score of 3755 and a single-core score of 1239. No corresponding Geekbench scores are listed for the Xeon E-2224, so a direct comparison on this test is not possible from the available data.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E-2224 wins in every benchmark category recorded, making it the superior choice for compute-intensive workloads. Its 15.1% to 15.5% advantage across all Cinebench tests indicates strong performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications. The higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz and larger 8 MB L3 cache make it well-suited for tasks that benefit from rapid single-core response, such as lightly threaded applications, while its 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth supports data-heavy workloads.

The Core i5-6600’s wins are limited to non-benchmark specifications. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the Xeon’s 71 W, making it a more power-efficient option for compact or thermally constrained systems. Its support for both DDR3 and DDR4 memory provides flexibility for builders with existing DDR3 modules. The Core i5-6600 also has a slightly smaller performance gap to its nearest rivals, it sits within 0.2% of the Intel Core i7-980X and AMD Ryzen 3 4300U, whereas the Xeon’s nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 2400GE, is 0.2% ahead of it.

For users who need ECC memory support, the Xeon is the only option between these two. For those prioritizing raw benchmark performance, the Xeon wins decisively. The Core i5-6600 remains a viable choice only when power consumption, DDR3 compatibility, or its lower launch MSRP of $224 (versus $193 for the Xeon) are the deciding factors, though the Xeon is actually cheaper at launch, making its performance advantage even more notable.