Intel Core i7-8560U vs Intel Xeon E-2124 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2124 wins every single recorded head-to-head comparison against the Intel Core i7-8560U. Across all six Cinebench tests, the Xeon maintains a consistent lead, with delta percentages ranging from 1.3% to 1.6%. This is not a case of one chip excelling in one workload and the other in another; the Xeon simply outperforms the Core i7 in every measured category.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon scores 577 against the Core i7's 568, a 1.6% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows a narrower margin: 81 versus 80, a 1.3% lead for the Xeon. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore results are 2408 for the Xeon and 2369 for the Core i7, again a 1.6% difference. The R20 single-core test yields 339 versus 334, a 1.5% edge.

The most substantial absolute gaps appear in the newer Cinebench R23 tests. The Xeon posts 5734 in multicore, while the Core i7 manages 5641, maintaining that same 1.6% delta. In R23 single-core, the scores are 809 and 796, respectively, another 1.6% margin. The pattern is remarkably consistent: the Xeon leads by roughly 1.5% to 1.6% across the board, regardless of test generation or core count utilization.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this hierarchy. The Xeon E-2124 averages 1658 across all recorded benchmarks, while the Core i7-8560U averages 1631. This places the Xeon in the 40th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with the Core i7 just behind at the 39th percentile.

When placed against their respective nearest rivals, both chips occupy similar competitive territory. The Xeon's closest competitor, the Intel Core i7-4770HQ, scores 1660, a negligible 0.1% difference. The Intel Core i5-4670K trails at 1656, a 0.2% gap, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H scores 1653, 0.3% behind. The Intel Core i5-7600T leads slightly at 1664, putting the Xeon 0.4% behind that chip. For the Core i7-8560U, the nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3 at 1630, a 0.1% difference. The Intel Pentium Gold G7400T scores 1628, 0.2% behind, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G leads at 1640, putting the Core i7 0.6% behind. The Intel Core i3-9100T trails at 1620, a 0.7% gap.

The data shows that while the Xeon wins every direct comparison, the margins are modest. These are closely matched processors in raw compute terms, separated by single-digit percentage points.

The Verdict

The verdict is straightforward: the Intel Xeon E-2124 is the faster processor in every benchmark recorded. It wins all six head-to-head tests, from Cinebench R15 through R23, in both single-core and multicore workloads. The deltas are small but consistent, ranging from 1.3% to 1.6%. No test shows the Core i7-8560U pulling ahead or even tying.

However, context matters. The Xeon's 40th percentile ranking versus the Core i7's 39th percentile indicates both chips sit in the lower-middle range of the database's CPU population. Neither is a high-flying performer; they are comparable mid-tier options. The Xeon's average score of 1658 is only 27 points higher than the Core i7's 1631, a difference of roughly 1.7%.

The Core i7-8560U does offer one structural advantage: it has 8 threads versus the Xeon's 4 threads. Despite this, the Xeon still manages to win the multicore tests. This suggests the Xeon's higher power envelope and desktop-oriented design deliver more sustained performance per thread. The Core i7's lower thread count disadvantage does not manifest as a loss in these specific benchmarks, but the thread count difference may matter in other workloads not captured here.

For buyers who prioritize raw benchmark performance, the Xeon E-2124 is the clear choice. For those who need more threads for parallel workloads, the Core i7-8560U offers that capability, though the recorded data shows it does not translate into a win in the Cinebench suite. The Xeon is the safer pick for anyone whose primary concern is the measured performance in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more benchmarks?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2124 wins all six recorded head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Core i7-8560U wins zero.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest recorded delta is 1.6%, seen in Cinebench R15 multicore, R20 multicore, R23 multicore, and R23 single-core. The smallest gap is 1.3% in Cinebench R15 single-core.

Q: Does the Core i7-8560U have more threads?

A: Yes, the Core i7-8560U has 8 threads, while the Xeon E-2124 has 4 threads. Despite this, the Xeon still wins all multicore benchmarks.

Q: How do the two compare in average benchmark score?

A: The Xeon E-2124 has an average benchmark score of 1658, while the Core i7-8560U averages 1631. The Xeon also ranks one percentile higher at 40th versus the Core i7's 39th.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core i7-8560U has a higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz, compared to the Xeon E-2124's 4.30 GHz. However, the Xeon still wins every benchmark.

Q: Are both processors the same generation?

A: No. The Xeon E-2124 is from the Xeon E-2100 series based on Coffee Lake, while the Core i7-8560U is from the Core i7 series based on Whiskey Lake.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The Xeon E-2124 has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the Core i7-8560U has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Xeon's base clock is 3.30 GHz, whereas the Core i7's base clock is 1800.00 MHz (1.80 GHz). The boost clocks also differ: 4.30 GHz for the Xeon versus 4.60 GHz for the Core i7.

Thermal design power is a major differentiator. The Xeon has a TDP of 71 watts, while the Core i7 is rated at just 15 watts. The socket types are incompatible: the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151, while the Core i7 uses Intel BGA 1528. The Xeon's die size is 126 mm², while the Core i7's die size is not recorded.

Memory support differs as well. The Xeon supports DDR4 only, while the Core i7 supports both DDR3 and DDR4. Memory bandwidth is higher on the Xeon at 42.7 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the Xeon but not on the Core i7.

The integrated graphics differ: the Xeon has UHD Graphics P630, while the Core i7 has UHD Graphics 620. The market segments are different, with the Xeon targeting Server/Workstation and the Core i7 targeting Mobile. The Xeon has a recorded launch MSRP of $198, while the Core i7 has no recorded launch MSRP. The Xeon was released on 2018-07-11, and the Core i7 on 2018-09-30.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use Intel's 14 nm process node and are manufactured by Intel. They share the same L1 cache of 64 KB per core and L2 cache of 256 KB per core, as well as the same L3 cache of 8 MB shared. Both support dual-channel memory and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The architectural differences are more subtle. The Xeon E-2124 is based on Coffee Lake, specifically the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, and belongs to the Xeon E generation. The Core i7-8560U is based on Whiskey Lake, specifically the Whiskey Lake-U codename, and belongs to the Core i7 generation. The Xeon's architecture is aimed at server and workstation workloads, which explains its ECC memory support and higher TDP. The Core i7's Whiskey Lake-U architecture is designed for mobile platforms, prioritizing power efficiency over raw throughput.

The Xeon has a larger die size at 126 mm², while the Core i7's die size is not recorded. Both chips lack an unlocked multiplier. The Xeon's part number is SR3WQ, and the Core i7's is SRGML.

The core count is identical at four, but the thread count differs due to Hyper-Threading on the Core i7. The Xeon does not enable this feature, resulting in 4 threads. The Core i7's 8 threads represent its primary architectural advantage, though the benchmark data shows it does not overcome the Xeon's higher clock speeds and power budget.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E-2124 wins in every recorded benchmark category. It leads in all three Cinebench generations (R15, R20, R23) and in both single-core and multicore tests. The margins are small, between 1.3% and 1.6%, but they are uniform. The Xeon also holds advantages in memory bandwidth (42.7 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s), ECC support, and a higher base clock.

The Xeon is the better choice for workloads that depend on sustained multi-threaded performance within a 71 watt power envelope. Its server/workstation market segment and ECC memory support make it suitable for reliability-focused compute tasks. The higher TDP allows for more aggressive sustained clock behavior, which likely explains its consistent benchmark wins despite having fewer threads.

The Intel Core i7-8560U wins in scenarios where power efficiency is paramount. Its 15 watt TDP is dramatically lower than the Xeon's 71 watts, making it the appropriate choice for battery-powered mobile devices. The Core i7 also offers more threads (8 versus 4), which could benefit workloads that scale with thread count beyond what the Cinebench suite captures. Its higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz provides headroom for short, bursty single-threaded tasks.

The Core i7's memory flexibility, supporting both DDR3 and DDR4, may appeal to system integrators with existing memory inventories. The Xeon's ECC support is a clear win for data integrity in servers.

In use-case terms, the Xeon E-2124 suits compact workstations and entry servers where the 71 watt TDP is acceptable and ECC memory is desired. The Core i7-8560U suits ultrabooks and thin-and-light laptops where the 15 watt TDP is essential and the 8 threads help with multitasking. The recorded data shows the Xeon is the faster chip, but the Core i7 remains competitive in its intended mobile context.