CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i7-7800X and Intel Xeon E-2374G occupy very different corners of the Intel lineup, yet their benchmark results are remarkably close. The Core i7-7800X is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop part built on the Skylake-X architecture, while the Xeon E-2374G is a 4-core, 8-thread server/workstation processor based on Rocket Lake-E. Despite the Xeon having two fewer cores, the data shows it wins every single benchmark comparison in this head-to-head, making this a fascinating study in how architecture and clock speed can overcome a core-count disadvantage.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unequivocal: the Intel Xeon E-2374G wins all six head-to-head tests, though by narrow margins. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 1142 against the Core i7-7800X's 1113, a delta of -2.5% from the Core i7's perspective. The single-core test in R15 shows a similar pattern: the Xeon posts 161 versus 156, a -3.1% difference. These are close numbers, but the consistency is striking, the Xeon edges ahead in every single workload.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the margins tighten further. The Xeon E-2374G scores 4760 in multi-core, while the Core i7-7800X manages 4638, a -2.6% gap. In single-core, the scores are 672 and 654 respectively, also a -2.7% difference. The pattern persists in Cinebench R23: the Xeon leads with 11335 versus 11044 in multi-core (-2.6%) and 1600 versus 1559 in single-core (-2.6%).

What makes these results particularly noteworthy is the core-count disparity. The Core i7-7800X has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Xeon E-2374G has only 4 cores and 8 threads. In multi-threaded workloads, one would typically expect the part with 50% more cores to pull ahead. Instead, the Xeon's higher clock speeds, a 3.70 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost versus 3.50 GHz base and 4.00 GHz boost, appear to compensate fully. The data shows the Xeon leading by roughly 2.5-3% across the board, a margin that is consistent regardless of whether the workload is single-threaded or multi-threaded.

The overall average benchmark scores confirm this narrow edge. The Core i7-7800X has an average benchmark score of 3333, placing it in the 54th percentile of all CPUs. The Xeon E-2374G averages 3278, sitting in the 53rd percentile. Interestingly, the Core i7's average is actually higher despite losing every head-to-head test, which indicates that the benchmarks included in the average calculation differ from the head-to-head set. The nearest rivals for the Core i7 include the Intel Xeon D-1587 (avg 3350, -0.5%), Intel Core i5-11400T (avg 3309, +0.7%), AMD Ryzen 3 5300G (avg 3303, +0.9%), and AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 (avg 3303, +0.9%). The Xeon E-2374G's nearest rivals are the Intel Core i3-12100T (avg 3277, 0%), AMD Ryzen Embedded V2516 (avg 3277, 0%), Intel Core i5-11500T (avg 3288, -0.3%), and Intel Xeon E5-1680 v3 (avg 3265, +0.4%). These rival sets show both processors trading blows with comparable chips, but the head-to-head data is unambiguous: the Xeon wins all six comparisons.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial. The Core i7-7800X uses the Skylake architecture with the Skylake-X codename, part of the Core i7 X-Series 7th Gen family. It is built on Intel's 14 nm process node. In contrast, the Xeon E-2374G uses the Rocket Lake architecture with the Rocket Lake-E codename, belonging to the Xeon E-2300 series, also on a 14 nm process node. Both share the same process technology, but the underlying designs differ significantly.

Cache configurations reflect these architectural differences. The Core i7-7800X has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8.25 MB of shared L3 cache. The Xeon E-2374G has 80 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. The Xeon's larger L1 cache per core (80 KB versus 64 KB) suggests a more efficient per-core design, while the Core i7's larger L2 (1 MB versus 512 KB) offers more dedicated cache per core. The total L3 is nearly identical, with the Core i7 at 8.25 MB and the Xeon at 8 MB.

Memory support differs as well. The Core i7-7800X supports DDR4 memory with a quad-channel memory bus, delivering a theoretical memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Xeon E-2374G also supports DDR4 but uses a dual-channel memory bus, halving the bandwidth to 51.2 GB/s. This is a significant architectural difference that could impact memory-intensive workloads, though the benchmark data does not isolate memory performance. The Core i7-7800X does not support ECC memory, while the Xeon E-2374G does, reflecting its server/workstation positioning.

PCIe capabilities also diverge. The Core i7-7800X provides PCIe Gen 3 with 28 lanes (CPU only), while the Xeon E-2374G offers PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe Gen 4 standard on the Xeon provides double the bandwidth per lane compared to Gen 3, though with fewer total lanes. The Xeon also includes integrated graphics in the form of UHD Graphics P750, whereas the Core i7-7800X has no integrated graphics. The die size differs notably: the Xeon E-2374G has a 276 mm² die, while the Core i7's die size is not listed. The Xeon's socket is Intel Socket 1200, while the Core i7 uses Intel Socket 2066, meaning they are not interchangeable.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Xeon E-2374G wins in every measured category. It leads in all six Cinebench tests, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads across R15, R20, and R23 versions. The consistency of the -2.5% to -3.1% range suggests the Xeon's advantage is systemic rather than workload-specific. Its higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz versus 4.00 GHz on the Core i7 likely drives the single-core wins, while the architectural efficiency of Rocket Lake appears to compensate for the core deficit in multi-threaded tasks.

The Core i7-7800X has no benchmark wins in this head-to-head comparison. However, its strengths lie in areas not captured by these specific tests. It has more cores (6 versus 4) and threads (12 versus 8), which could theoretically benefit heavily parallel workloads that scale beyond 8 threads. Its quad-channel memory bus provides 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth, which is 50% higher than the Xeon's 51.2 GB/s. In memory-bound scenarios, the Core i7 could potentially outperform the Xeon, though the Cinebench results do not reflect this. The Core i7 also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, whereas the Xeon's multiplier is locked. For users willing to overclock, the Core i7 could potentially close or reverse the performance gap.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2374G wins all single-core benchmarks. It scores 161 in Cinebench R15, 672 in R20, and 1600 in R23, compared to the Core i7-7800X's 156, 654, and 1559 respectively.

Q: How does the multi-core performance compare given the different core counts?

A: Despite having only 4 cores versus the Core i7-7800X's 6 cores, the Xeon E-2374G leads in multi-core tests. It scores 1142 in R15, 4760 in R20, and 11335 in R23, versus the Core i7's 1113, 4638, and 11044.

Q: What are the memory bandwidth specifications for each processor?

A: The Core i7-7800X has a quad-channel DDR4 memory bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon E-2374G has a dual-channel DDR4 bus with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: The Xeon E-2374G supports ECC memory, while the Core i7-7800X does not.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The Core i7-7800X has a TDP of 140 W, while the Xeon E-2374G has a TDP of 80 W.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Xeon E-2374G includes UHD Graphics P750, while the Core i7-7800X has no integrated graphics.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear conclusion: the Intel Xeon E-2374G is the better performer in every benchmark test conducted. It wins all six head-to-head comparisons, delivering roughly 2.5-3% higher scores in both single-core and multi-core workloads. This is a remarkable outcome given that the Core i7-7800X has 6 cores and 12 threads versus the Xeon's 4 cores and 8 threads. The Xeon's architectural advantages, higher clock speeds (3.70 GHz base, 5.00 GHz boost versus 3.50 GHz/4.00 GHz) and the newer Rocket Lake design, more than compensate for its lower core count.

However, the choice between these two processors depends on the intended use case. The Xeon E-2374G is the clear pick for users who prioritize raw benchmark performance, ECC memory support, integrated graphics, and lower power consumption (80 W TDP versus 140 W). It also offers PCIe Gen 4 connectivity, which is newer and faster per lane than the Core i7's PCIe Gen 3. The Xeon targets the server/workstation market segment and remains an active product.

The Core i7-7800X, while losing every benchmark, offers its own advantages. It has more cores and threads, a quad-channel memory bus with higher bandwidth, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. It targets the desktop market and is end-of-life. For workloads that can utilize more than 8 threads and benefit from higher memory bandwidth, the Core i7 could potentially be competitive, though the benchmark data does not demonstrate this. For users who need the specific features of a Xeon, ECC memory, integrated graphics, server-grade reliability, the E-2374G is the obvious choice. For those who value overclocking headroom and more cores, the Core i7-7800X remains a viable option despite its benchmark deficits.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-7800X | Intel Xeon E-2374G |

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

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.00 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 140 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2066 | Intel Socket 1200 |

| Architecture | Skylake | Rocket Lake |

| Codename | Skylake-X | Rocket Lake-E |

| Generation | Core i7 (X-Series 7th Gen) | Xeon E (Rocket Lake-E) |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | Not listed | 276 mm² |

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

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 8.25 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 28 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics P750 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

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

| Release Date | 2017-06-25 | 2021-09-07 |

| Launch MSRP | $383 | $334 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SR3L4 | SRKN3 |