CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-5930K
Xeon E-2176M
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i7-5930K vs Intel Xeon E-2176M
This comparison pits two very different six-core Intel parts: the desktop Haswell-E i7-5930K and the mobile Coffee Lake-H Xeon E-2176M. The data shows a generational split, with the newer Xeon dominating in Cinebench while the older i7 posts a notable win in Geekbench multi-core.
FAQ
Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?
A: Both have exactly 6 cores and 12 threads. The core count is identical, so any performance difference comes from clock speed, architecture, and memory configuration.
Q: Which chip is better for single-threaded workloads?
A: The Xeon E-2176M wins every single-core benchmark in the head-to-head data. It leads by 3.1% in Cinebench R15 (129 vs 125), 3.7% in R20 (541 vs 521), 3.8% in R23 (1290 vs 1241), and 10.1% in Geekbench (1362 vs 1225). Its higher boost clock is the likely driver.
Q: How do they compare in multi-threaded rendering?
A: The Xeon wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests, but by a narrow margin. It scores 921 vs 886 in R15 (3.8% ahead), 3838 vs 3692 in R20 (3.8% ahead), and 9140 vs 8791 in R23 (3.8% ahead). The i7-5930K does win Geekbench multi-core by a substantial 19.4% (5715 vs 4787).
Q: Does the Xeon support ECC memory?
A: Yes, the Xeon E-2176M supports ECC memory. The i7-5930K does not support ECC, which makes the Xeon the clear choice for error-correcting workloads.
Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?
A: The i7-5930K uses a quad-channel memory bus with 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The Xeon E-2176M uses a dual-channel bus with 42.7 GB/s. This is a major architectural difference that likely explains the i7's Geekbench multi-core advantage.
Q: Are these CPUs still in production?
A: Both are listed as end-of-life. The i7-5930K was released in 2014, while the Xeon E-2176M was released in 2018.
Architecture Differences
The two processors come from different architectural eras. The i7-5930K is built on the Haswell-E architecture using a 22 nm process, with 2,600 million transistors on a 356 mm² die. The Xeon E-2176M uses the newer Coffee Lake-H architecture on a 14 nm process, with a much smaller 154 mm² die size. This generational gap explains the Xeon's efficiency advantages.
The cache layouts differ as well. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the i7 has 15 MB of shared L3 cache versus 12 MB on the Xeon. The Xeon compensates with a significantly higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz versus 3.70 GHz on the i7, while the i7 has a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 2.70 GHz.
Memory architecture is a key separator. The i7-5930K supports quad-channel DDR4 with 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth and 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. The Xeon E-2176M is limited to dual-channel DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s of bandwidth and 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. This gives the i7 a major throughput advantage for memory-heavy tasks.
The Xeon includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P630) and ECC memory support, while the i7 has no integrated graphics and no ECC support. The i7 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, whereas the Xeon is locked. The Xeon is a server/workstation part on Intel BGA 1440 socket, while the i7 is a desktop part on Intel Socket 2011-3.
Where Each One Wins
The Xeon E-2176M is the clear winner for single-threaded performance and overall Cinebench rendering. It wins all four single-core benchmarks and all three Cinebench multi-core tests. Its higher boost clock (4.40 GHz vs 3.70 GHz) gives it an edge in tasks that rely on a few fast cores, such as everyday desktop responsiveness, lightly-threaded applications, and games that favor clock speed.
The i7-5930K wins the Geekbench multi-core test by a wide 19.4% margin. This is likely due to its quad-channel memory interface providing 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth versus the Xeon's 42.7 GB/s. For workloads that are memory-bandwidth sensitive or use many threads in a way that Geekbench measures differently, the i7 has a distinct advantage. Its larger 15 MB L3 cache also helps in certain data-heavy scenarios.
The Xeon's ECC memory support makes it the only choice here for systems where data integrity is critical, such as small servers or workstations handling financial or scientific data. The i7's unlocked multiplier makes it the better candidate for enthusiasts who want to push clocks beyond stock, provided they have adequate cooling.
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Core i7-5930K | Intel Xeon E-2176M |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.70 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 4.40 GHz |
| TDP | 140 W | 45 W |
| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | Intel BGA 1440 |
| Architecture | Haswell-E | Coffee Lake-H |
| Process Node | 22 nm | 14 nm |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |
| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |
| Memory Bandwidth | 68.3 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |
| ECC Memory | No | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 (Gen 3) | 16 (Gen 3) |
| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics P630 |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The Xeon E-2176M takes a clean sweep in Cinebench, but the margins are consistent. Across R15, R20, and R23, the multi-core delta is exactly 3.8% in the Xeon's favor. Scores are 921 vs 886, 3838 vs 3692, and 9140 vs 8791 respectively. This consistency suggests a steady clock advantage rather than an architectural difference.
Single-core Cinebench results are similar. The Xeon leads by 3.1% in R15 (129 vs 125), 3.7% in R20 (541 vs 521), and 3.8% in R23 (1290 vs 1241). The Xeon's 4.40 GHz boost clock clearly outpaces the i7's 3.70 GHz boost in these clock-sensitive tests.
The Geekbench results tell a different story. The Xeon wins single-core by 10.1% (1362 vs 1225), but the i7-5930K dominates multi-core by 19.4% (5715 vs 4787). This is the largest delta in the entire comparison. The i7's quad-channel memory bandwidth appears to give it a massive advantage in Geekbench's parallel workload, despite its older architecture and lower clock speeds.
The overall win count is lopsided: the Xeon wins 7 of 8 benchmarks. However, the i7's single Geekbench multi-core victory is by a much larger margin (19.4%) than any of the Xeon's wins (all under 10.1%). This means the choice depends heavily on which benchmark suite reflects the user's actual workload.
The Verdict
The Xeon E-2176M is the better processor for most users based on benchmark data. It wins 7 out of 8 head-to-head tests, including all Cinebench multi-core and single-core tests. Its TDP of 45 W versus 140 W makes it far more power-efficient, and the ECC memory support is critical for reliability-focused builds. The 4.40 GHz boost clock gives it a decisive edge in single-threaded tasks.
The i7-5930K is the pick only if your workflow resembles Geekbench multi-core more than Cinebench. Its 19.4% win in that test is significant, likely due to the quad-channel memory bus delivering 68.3 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s. If you are moving large datasets in memory or running parallel tasks that benefit from memory bandwidth, the i7's architecture has merit. Its unlocked multiplier also appeals to overclockers.
For rendering, content creation, and general productivity, the Xeon E-2176M is the data-backed choice. For memory-intensive parallel computing on a desktop platform, the i7-5930K retains a niche advantage. The Xeon's launch MSRP is $450. Both are end-of-life, so availability and platform costs will be practical factors in any decision.