Intel Core i7-11700F vs Intel Xeon D-1746TER Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data between the Intel Core i7-11700F and the Intel Xeon D-1746TER shows a decisive pattern: the Core i7-11700F wins 16 of the 17 recorded head-to-head tests, while the Xeon D-1746TER claims only a single victory. The margins are not subtle. Across the Cinebench suite, the Core i7-11700F leads by a consistent 32.5% in every multi-core test, from Cinebench R15 (1777 vs 1341) through R20 (7405 vs 5590) and R23 (17633 vs 13311). Single-core Cinebench results tell the same story, with the Core i7-11700F ahead by 32.3% in R15 (250 vs 189), 32.4% in R20 (1045 vs 789), and 32.5% in R23 (2489 vs 1879).

The largest single-core gap appears in PassMark single-thread testing, where the Core i7-11700F scores 3262 against the Xeon's 1785, a 82.7% advantage. That is a massive difference in raw per-thread performance, and it appears consistently in the PassMark suite. The Core i7-11700F leads by 45.2% in integer math (79133 vs 54482), 41.3% in floating-point math (46307 vs 32772), and 45.1% in extended instructions (18308 vs 12620). Data compression shows a 38.9% edge (266035 vs 191594), data encryption a 34.5% edge (12563 vs 9343), and random string sorting a 28.5% edge (30498 vs 23732). Even multithreaded PassMark, which might favor the Xeon's higher core count, goes to the Core i7-11700F by 32.4% (20728 vs 15660).

The Xeon D-1746TER's only win is in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where it scores 68 against the Core i7-11700F's 56, a 17.6% advantage. The closest contest is PassMark physics, where the Core i7-11700F wins by just 3% (885 vs 859). Every other head-to-head result is a blowout in favor of the Core i7-11700F.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i7-11700F wins across the entire application-focused benchmark set. Its advantages are most pronounced in integer and floating-point math, extended instruction workloads, and single-threaded tasks. For desktop users running everyday applications, compiling code, or doing content creation, the data shows a clear performance leader. The 82.7% single-thread advantage means the Core i7-11700F will feel dramatically faster in responsive, latency-sensitive tasks. Its 45.2% lead in integer math and 41.3% lead in floating-point math indicate strong general-purpose compute capability. Data compression and encryption workloads also favor the Core i7-11700F by margins between 34.5% and 38.9%, which matters for file archiving, database operations, and secure communication tasks.

The Xeon D-1746TER claims only the prime number finding test, a narrow workload that measures pure integer primality testing. That single result does not translate into broader application performance. The Xeon's 10 cores and 20 threads do not overcome the Core i7-11700F's higher clock speeds and architectural efficiency in any other benchmark. The Xeon's 3% margin in PassMark physics is negligible, and even that test goes to the Core i7-11700F.

For workloads that depend on per-thread speed, such as gaming, desktop responsiveness, and lightly threaded productivity apps, the Core i7-11700F is the only rational choice based on the recorded data. For heavily parallel workloads, the Xeon's extra cores (10 vs 8) and threads (20 vs 16) fail to translate into wins, as the Core i7-11700F still leads by over 32% in every multi-core Cinebench test and by 32.4% in PassMark multithread.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-11700F is dramatically ahead. In PassMark single-thread testing, it scores 3262 versus the Xeon D-1746TER's 1785, a 82.7% advantage. Cinebench R23 single-core shows the same trend: 2489 vs 1879, a 32.5% lead.

Q: Does the Xeon D-1746TER win any benchmark?

A: Yes, exactly one. The Xeon D-1746TER wins the PassMark find prime numbers test with a score of 68 against the Core i7-11700F's 56, a 17.6% advantage. Every other recorded head-to-head benchmark goes to the Core i7-11700F.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in multi-core workloads?

A: The Core i7-11700F leads by 32.5% in Cinebench R23 multi-core (17633 vs 13311) and by 32.4% in PassMark multithread (20728 vs 15660). Despite having fewer cores (8 vs 10) and threads (16 vs 20), the Core i7-11700F wins every multi-core test in the database.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark scores?

A: The Core i7-11700F has an average benchmark score of 21988, while the Xeon D-1746TER scores 21635. Both CPUs sit at the 75th percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon D-1746TER supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-11700F does not support ECC memory.

Q: What are the memory channel differences?

A: The Xeon D-1746TER uses triple-channel DDR4 memory with 64.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Core i7-11700F uses dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in nearly every core specification. The Core i7-11700F has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon D-1746TER has 10 cores and 20 threads. Base clocks differ substantially: the Core i7-11700F runs at 2.50 GHz, while the Xeon D-1746TER's base clock is listed as 2000.00 MHz (2.00 GHz). Boost clocks show an even larger gap: 4.90 GHz for the Core i7-11700F versus 3.10 GHz for the Xeon. Thermal design power is close, with the Core i7-11700F rated at 65 W and the Xeon at 67 W.

The sockets are incompatible: the Core i7-11700F uses Intel Socket 1200, while the Xeon D-1746TER uses Intel BGA 2227. Cache configurations differ in L2 and L3: the Core i7-11700F has 512 KB of L2 per core and 16 MB of shared L3, while the Xeon D-1746TER has 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 15 MB of shared L3. Both share 80 KB of L1 per core.

Memory support differs in channel count and bandwidth: the Core i7-11700F uses dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s, while the Xeon D-1746TER uses triple-channel DDR4 with 64.0 GB/s. ECC memory is supported only on the Xeon. PCIe lanes differ as well: the Core i7-11700F provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the Xeon D-1746TER provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes.

Market positioning and production status differ. The Core i7-11700F is a desktop part that is end-of-life, released on 2021-03-15 with a launch MSRP of $298. The Xeon D-1746TER is a server/workstation part that is active, released on 2022-02-23 with a launch MSRP of $1069. Neither CPU has an unlocked multiplier.

Architecture Differences

The Core i7-11700F is built on Rocket Lake architecture, using Intel's 14 nm process node with a die size of 276 mm². The Xeon D-1746TER uses Ice Lake-D architecture on Intel's 10 nm process node; no die size is recorded for the Xeon. The Core i7-11700F belongs to the Core 11th Gen family, while the Xeon D-1746TER is part of the Xeon D family.

The 14 nm Rocket Lake design achieves higher clock speeds, with a 4.90 GHz boost clock versus the 10 nm Ice Lake-D's 3.10 GHz. The Xeon compensates with more cores and threads, plus a larger L2 cache per core (1.25 MB vs 512 KB), but the benchmark data shows that the Core i7-11700F's clock advantage dominates in all but one test. The Xeon's triple-channel memory controller provides 64.0 GB/s bandwidth versus the Core i7-11700F's 51.2 GB/s, and the Xeon adds ECC memory support. The Core i7-11700F offers more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) despite being a desktop part.

The Xeon D-1746TER is a BGA 2227 socket part, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard, while the Core i7-11700F uses the standard LGA 1200 socket. The production status also differs: the Core i7-11700F is end-of-life, while the Xeon D-1746TER remains active in production.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous. The Intel Core i7-11700F wins 16 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, with margins ranging from 3% to 82.7%. The Xeon D-1746TER wins only the prime number finding test, a narrow workload that does not represent general computing. The Core i7-11700F leads by 32.5% across all Cinebench multi-core tests, by 82.7% in single-thread PassMark, and by over 40% in integer math, floating-point math, and extended instructions. Its average benchmark score of 21988 exceeds the Xeon's 21635, and both sit at the 75th percentile among all CPUs.

The Xeon D-1746TER does offer advantages outside raw performance: ECC memory support, triple-channel memory with higher bandwidth (64.0 GB/s vs 51.2 GB/s), and an active production status. For server or workstation deployments where data integrity matters more than raw speed, the Xeon's ECC support and memory bandwidth are relevant factors. Its 10 cores and 20 threads also provide more parallel hardware, even if the benchmark results show the Core i7-11700F outperforming it in multi-core tests.

For desktop users, builders, and anyone prioritizing application performance, the Core i7-11700F is the clear choice from the recorded data. Its single-thread dominance alone (82.7% in PassMark) makes it far more responsive for everyday tasks. Its multi-core wins, despite fewer cores, show that clock speed and architecture efficiency outweigh raw core counts in these workloads.

For server administrators requiring ECC memory and triple-channel bandwidth, the Xeon D-1746TER is the only option between these two, since the Core i7-11700F lacks those features. The Xeon's active production status means it remains available for new deployments, while the Core i7-11700F is end-of-life.

The verdict from the database: pick the Core i7-11700F for performance in almost every scenario. Pick the Xeon D-1746TER only if ECC memory, triple-channel bandwidth, and active production support are non-negotiable requirements. The performance gap is too large to ignore in any other context.