Intel Core i7-8700B vs Intel Xeon E-2136 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2136 wins every recorded head-to-head comparison against the Intel Core i7-8700B. Across all six Cinebench tests, the Xeon E-2136 posts a consistent 9.6% advantage over the i7-8700B, a margin that holds steady regardless of workload or test version.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Xeon E-2136 scores 1112 against the i7-8700B's 1005. The single-core R15 result shows the same pattern: 156 for the Xeon versus 141 for the i7. Moving to Cinebench R20, the Xeon E-2136 reaches 4636 multicore and 654 single-core, while the i7-8700B manages 4190 and 591 respectively. The most recent Cinebench R23 results continue the trend: the Xeon E-2136 hits 11040 multicore and 1558 single-core, against the i7-8700B's 9977 and 1408.

The uniformity of the 9.6% delta across every test is notable. It suggests a consistent underlying performance advantage rather than workload-specific strengths. The i7-8700B never closes the gap in any benchmark, and the Xeon E-2136 does not lose a single recorded comparison.

The average benchmark scores reinforce this picture. The Xeon E-2136 averages 3193 across its recorded benchmarks, placing it in the 53rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The i7-8700B averages 3086, sitting in the 52nd percentile. The 107-point gap in average scores corresponds to the Xeon's position slightly higher in the overall distribution.

When placed against their nearest rivals, both processors sit in similar company. The i7-8700B's closest competitors include the Intel Xeon W-2133 (average score 3087, 0% delta), the Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 (3082, 0.1% delta), the Intel Core i7-6850K (3079, 0.2% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (3096, -0.3% delta). The Xeon E-2136's nearest rivals are the Intel Core i7-9700E (3197, -0.1% delta), the Intel Core i3-13100T (3198, -0.2% delta), the Intel Core i5-1240P (3202, -0.3% delta), and the Intel Atom P5342 (3217, -0.7% delta). The i7-8700B sits effectively at parity with its closest rivals, while the Xeon E-2136 is marginally behind its nearest competitor, the i7-9700E.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E-2136 wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. There are no tests where the i7-8700B comes out ahead. This makes the use-case split straightforward: the Xeon E-2136 is the superior choice for any workload that relies on the measured Cinebench metrics.

Cinebench tests exercise both multicore rendering and single-threaded responsiveness. The Xeon E-2136's advantage in both areas means it handles multithreaded productivity tasks such as 3D rendering and video encoding more efficiently, while also delivering better performance in lightly threaded applications where single-core speed matters.

The i7-8700B, despite losing every comparison, remains a capable processor. Its 6 cores and 12 threads match the Xeon E-2136's configuration, and its benchmark scores are not far behind. The 9.6% deficit means the i7-8700B is competitive in everyday use, but the data consistently favors the Xeon when performance is the deciding factor.

For users who prioritize the highest recorded benchmark scores, the Xeon E-2136 is the clear pick. The i7-8700B offers no benchmark category where it outperforms its rival. The only scenarios where the i7-8700B might be preferable come down to factors outside the recorded performance metrics, such as platform compatibility or feature requirements, which are addressed in the architecture and specification sections below.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's Coffee Lake architecture and use the same 14 nm process node from Intel. The die size is identical at 154 mm² for both chips. They share the same core and thread counts: 6 cores and 12 threads each.

The cache hierarchy is also identical. Both processors have 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is the same: dual-channel DDR4 with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. Both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes available from the CPU.

The key architectural differences lie in the socket, integrated graphics, and ECC support. The i7-8700B uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, while the Xeon E-2136 uses the Intel Socket 1151. This means the two processors are not interchangeable on the same motherboard. The i7-8700B is a ball-grid array package, typically soldered to the board, while the Xeon E-2136 is a land-grid array package that fits into a standard socket.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-8700B carries UHD Graphics 630, while the Xeon E-2136 carries UHD Graphics P630. The P630 variant is Intel's workstation-oriented graphics solution, but the database does not record performance differences between the two.

ECC memory support is a significant differentiator. The Xeon E-2136 supports ECC memory, while the i7-8700B does not. This makes the Xeon suitable for workstation and server environments where data integrity is critical. The i7-8700B, lacking ECC support, is aimed at mainstream desktop use.

The market segments reflect this split. The i7-8700B is classified as a Desktop processor, while the Xeon E-2136 is classified as Server/Workstation. The Xeon belongs to the Xeon E-2100 series, a workstation-oriented product line, while the i7-8700B is part of the Core i7 lineup.

Both processors are end-of-life and have locked multipliers, meaning they cannot be overclocked. The base and boost clocks differ slightly: the i7-8700B has a 3.20 GHz base clock and 4.60 GHz boost clock, while the Xeon E-2136 has a 3.30 GHz base clock and 4.50 GHz boost clock. The Xeon starts from a higher base frequency but peaks at a lower boost frequency. The thermal design power (TDP) also differs: the i7-8700B is rated at 65 watts, while the Xeon E-2136 is rated at 80 watts.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2136 has an average benchmark score of 3193, compared to 3086 for the Intel Core i7-8700B.

Q: How large is the performance gap between the two processors?

A: The Xeon E-2136 leads by 9.6% in every Cinebench test recorded in the database, including both multicore and single-core variants.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon E-2136 supports ECC memory, while the i7-8700B does not.

Q: Are the two processors compatible with the same motherboard socket?

A: No. The i7-8700B uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, while the Xeon E-2136 uses the Intel Socket 1151.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: Both processors have 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The i7-8700B has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, while the Xeon E-2136 has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a single conclusion: the Intel Xeon E-2136 is the higher-performing processor. It wins all six head-to-head benchmarks with a consistent 9.6% margin, and its average benchmark score of 3193 exceeds the i7-8700B's 3086. The percentile rankings confirm the gap, with the Xeon at the 53rd percentile and the i7 at the 52nd.

Users who need maximum performance from the measured Cinebench workloads should select the Xeon E-2136. This includes tasks such as 3D rendering, video encoding, and other multithreaded productivity applications, as well as single-threaded workloads where the Xeon also holds the advantage.

The i7-8700B is not without merit, but its strengths lie outside the recorded benchmark data. It consumes less power, with a 65-watt TDP compared to the Xeon's 80 watts, and it uses a different socket that may be more appropriate for certain compact or embedded designs. Its boost clock is slightly higher at 4.60 GHz versus 4.50 GHz, and it launched at a lower price point.

However, for users who prioritize ECC memory support, the Xeon E-2136 is the only choice between the two. This feature is essential for workstation and server environments where memory errors cannot be tolerated.

The decision ultimately depends on platform requirements. If the motherboard accepts Socket 1151 and ECC memory is needed, the Xeon E-2136 is the clear winner. If the design requires a BGA 1440 package and lower power consumption, the i7-8700B is the appropriate pick, accepting its 9.6% performance deficit.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8700B | Intel Xeon E-2136 |

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

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Codename | Coffee Lake | Coffee Lake-S WS |

| Generation | Core i7 (Coffee Lake) | Xeon E (Coffee Lake) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics P630 |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Release Date | 2018-04-02 | 2018-07-11 |

| Launch MSRP | $303 | $289 |

| Part Number | SRCX2 | SR3WW |

| Average Benchmark Score | 3086 | 3193 |

| Percentile | 52 | 53 |