Intel Core i7-11390H vs Intel Xeon E-2226G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Xeon E-2226G dominates the Core i7-11390H across every single benchmark in this comparison, posting a clean 6-0 sweep. The data is unambiguous: in six head-to-head tests spanning Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, the Xeon wins every round with a consistent delta of approximately -12.3% against the Core i7. This is not a narrow margin; it is a systematic performance gap that holds steady across both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads.

Looking at multi-core results first, the Xeon E-2226G scores 944 in Cinebench R15 multi-core versus 828 for the Core i7-11390H, a 12.3% advantage. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the Xeon posts 3934 against 3451, and in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it reaches 9368 versus 8218. The delta stays pinned at -12.3% in every multi-core test, indicating that the Xeon's advantage is structural rather than workload-specific.

Single-core results tell the same story with a slightly larger margin. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Xeon scores 133 against 116, a 12.8% lead. Cinebench R20 single-core shows 555 versus 487, and Cinebench R23 single-core shows 1322 versus 1160 — both at the same -12.3% delta. The Xeon's single-core edge is marginally bigger in R15, but the overall picture is one of uniform superiority.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this: the Xeon E-2226G averages 2709 across its benchmark suite, while the Core i7-11390H averages 2715. These averages are nearly identical, yet the head-to-head results show the Xeon winning decisively. The explanation lies in the benchmark composition — the Core i7 has Geekbench results (5478 multi-core, 1985 single-core) that the Xeon lacks, and those scores pull its average up despite losing every Cinebench contest. The avgScore of 2715 for the Core i7 ranks it within 0.2% of the Xeon's 2709, but the actual Cinebench data shows a clear winner.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different Intel design lineages. The Core i7-11390H is built on Tiger Lake, a 10 nm mobile architecture with the codename Tiger Lake-H, while the Xeon E-2226G uses Coffee Lake, a 14 nm desktop/workstation design codenamed Coffee Lake-S WS. The process node gap — 10 nm versus 14 nm — explains why the Core i7 can reach a 5.00 GHz boost clock despite its 28 W TDP, whereas the Xeon tops out at 4.70 GHz with an 80 W TDP.

Core and thread counts diverge sharply. The Core i7 packs 4 cores and 8 threads, using Hyper-Threading to double its thread count. The Xeon E-2226G offers 6 physical cores but only 6 threads — no Hyper-Threading. The Xeon compensates with higher base and boost clocks: 3.40 GHz base versus 2.90 GHz, and 4.70 GHz boost versus 5.00 GHz. The Core i7's higher boost clock and 10 nm process cannot overcome the Xeon's two additional physical cores.

Cache hierarchies differ in per-core allocation but match in total L3. The Core i7 has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The Xeon has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and the same 12 MB shared L3. The Core i7's larger per-core L2 is a mobile-optimized design choice, while the Xeon's smaller L2 reflects its older architecture. Die size is close: 146.1 mm² for Tiger Lake versus 154 mm² for Coffee Lake.

Memory support shows another split. Both use DDR4 with dual-channel buses, but the Core i7 has higher theoretical bandwidth at 51.2 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s for the Xeon. The Core i7 does not support ECC memory; the Xeon does. PCIe generations differ as well: the Core i7 offers Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes, while the Xeon sticks with Gen 3 and 16 lanes. Integrated graphics also diverge — Iris XE 96EU on the Core i7 versus HD Graphics P630 on the Xeon.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear conclusion: the Intel Xeon E-2226G is the faster processor in every benchmark measured. If raw compute performance is the only criterion, the Xeon wins outright. It leads by 12.3% in multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests alike, and its six-core design delivers results that the quad-core Core i7 cannot match despite the latter's newer 10 nm process and higher 5.00 GHz boost clock.

The Core i7-11390H is not without merit. Its 28 W TDP makes it suitable for mobile platforms, and its 5.00 GHz boost clock is the highest in this comparison. It also supports PCIe Gen 4, offers higher memory bandwidth at 51.2 GB/s, and includes Iris XE 96EU integrated graphics. But benchmark results do not favor it — the Xeon wins every head-to-head contest, and the Core i7's only consolation is a marginally higher average benchmark score driven by Geekbench results that the Xeon does not have.

The production statuses tell a complementary story. The Core i7 is listed as Active, while the Xeon E-2226G is End-of-life. For new system designs, the Core i7 remains available; the Xeon is a legacy part. The Xeon also targets a different market segment — Server/Workstation versus Mobile — and supports ECC memory, which matters for reliability-focused workloads. The verdict from the data: choose the Xeon E-2226G for maximum benchmark performance and ECC support; choose the Core i7-11390H for mobile deployment, PCIe Gen 4, and ongoing production availability.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-11390H | Intel Xeon E-2226G |

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

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 28 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1449 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Tiger Lake | Coffee Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 146.1 mm² | 154 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes | Gen 3, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris XE 96EU | HD Graphics P630 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Server/Workstation |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2021-06-20 | 2019-05-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $426 | $255 |

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2226G wins every multi-core benchmark. It scores 944 versus 828 in Cinebench R15, 3934 versus 3451 in Cinebench R20, and 9368 versus 8218 in Cinebench R23 — a consistent 12.3% lead over the Core i7-11390H.

Q: Does the Core i7-11390H have any single-core advantage?

A: No. The Xeon E-2226G wins all three single-core tests: 133 versus 116 in R15, 555 versus 487 in R20, and 1322 versus 1160 in R23. The Core i7's higher 5.00 GHz boost clock does not translate into benchmark wins.

Q: Why does the Core i7 have a higher average benchmark score if it loses every head-to-head test?

A: The Core i7-11390H has additional Geekbench results (5478 multi-core, 1985 single-core) that are not available for the Xeon E-2226G. These scores raise its average to 2715, while the Xeon averages 2709 — a difference of only 0.2%.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Xeon E-2226G supports ECC memory. The Core i7-11390H does not. This makes the Xeon the appropriate choice for error-correcting memory workloads.

Q: What are the production statuses of these two processors?

A: The Core i7-11390H is listed as Active, while the Xeon E-2226G is End-of-life. The Xeon was released on 2019-05-28, and the Core i7 on 2021-06-20.

Q: How do the memory bandwidth figures compare?

A: The Core i7-11390H supports 51.2 GB/s of memory bandwidth, while the Xeon E-2226G supports 42.7 GB/s. The Core i7 also uses PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes versus the Xeon's PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Where Each One Wins

Intel Xeon E-2226G — Pick for raw performance and ECC. The benchmark data is unequivocal: the Xeon wins all six head-to-head tests with a 12.3% margin across the board. Its six physical cores deliver superior multi-threaded results in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. Single-threaded performance also favors the Xeon, so there is no workload category in the measured data where the Core i7 pulls ahead. The Xeon's ECC memory support makes it the choice for reliability-sensitive server or workstation applications. Its 3.40 GHz base clock provides a solid foundation for sustained loads. The fact that it achieves these results on a 14 nm process with a lower 4.70 GHz boost clock highlights the benefit of two additional cores. For any benchmark-driven decision, the Xeon E-2226G is the winner.

Intel Core i7-11390H — Pick for mobility and modern platform features. The Core i7 loses every benchmark, but it wins on platform characteristics. Its 28 W TDP makes it suitable for mobile devices, whereas the Xeon's 80 W TDP demands desktop-class cooling. The Core i7 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes, doubling the I/O bandwidth of the Xeon's PCIe Gen 3. Its memory bandwidth is higher at 51.2 GB/s. The integrated Iris XE 96EU graphics are more capable than the Xeon's HD Graphics P630. The Core i7 remains in Active production, ensuring supply for new designs, while the Xeon is End-of-life. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock is the highest of the two. The Core i7 also carries a higher launch MSRP of $426 versus $255 for the Xeon, though pricing should not be the deciding factor given the performance gap. For a mobile system requiring the newest I/O standards, the Core i7-11390H is the appropriate choice; for maximum compute throughput, the Xeon E-2226G stands alone.