Intel Core i7-8705G vs Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 and the Intel Core i7-8705G occupy the same 46th percentile in the benchmark database, yet they achieve that standing through entirely different means. The Xeon is a server-class Haswell-EP part with 8 cores and 16 threads, while the i7-8705G is a mobile Kaby Lake-G chip with half the cores and threads. Across six shared Cinebench workloads, the Xeon wins every single test, with margins ranging from 11% to 12.1%. The data suggests that for raw multi-threaded throughput and even single-core performance in these specific tests, the older Xeon holds a consistent edge over the newer mobile part. However, the i7-8705G counters with a lower 65 W TDP, integrated graphics, and a much smaller 125 mm² die, making it the choice for compact, power-conscious systems where the Xeon's 85 W TDP and 356 mm² die would be prohibitive.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 wins all six head-to-head Cinebench comparisons, making it the superior processor for compute-heavy tasks. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon scores 7179 against the i7-8705G's 6464, an 11.1% advantage. The single-core gap is similar, with the Xeon leading 1013 to 912 in R23 single-core, an 11.1% margin. This pattern holds across every generation of the Cinebench test, from R15 to R23, with deltas consistently around 11-12%. The Xeon's 8 cores and 16 threads simply outmuscle the i7's 4 cores and 8 threads in these workloads.

Yet the i7-8705G is not without merit. It is built for a different physical reality: a 65 W TDP versus the Xeon's 85 W, and a 125 mm² die versus the Xeon's 356 mm². The i7 also integrates Intel HD Graphics 630, which the Xeon lacks entirely. For a system builder targeting a small form factor or a laptop-style chassis, the i7-8705G is the only viable option of the two, despite losing every benchmark. The Xeon requires a Socket 2011-3 platform with discrete graphics, while the i7 fits into BGA 2270 with its GPU included.

For users who prioritize raw processing power and have the thermal and space headroom, the Xeon E5-2628 v3 is the clear winner. For those who need a self-contained, low-power package with graphics, the i7-8705G is the practical choice, accepting a 11.1% performance deficit in multi-core workloads. The data does not suggest the i7 is a better performer; it suggests it is a better fit for constrained environments.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural eras and target different market segments. The Xeon E5-2628 v3 is based on Haswell-EP, a 22 nm process from Intel, with 2,600 million transistors packed into a 356 mm² die. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz. Its cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 20 MB L3 cache. Memory support is DDR4 over a quad-channel bus, providing 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth, and it supports ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is Gen 3 with 40 lanes from the CPU.

The Core i7-8705G, in contrast, is a Kaby Lake-G part built on a 14 nm process, with a much smaller 125 mm² die. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, running at a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. Its cache is smaller: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory is DDR4 over a dual-channel bus, yielding 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth, and it does not support ECC memory. PCIe is Gen 3 with only 8 lanes from the CPU. The i7 also integrates Intel HD Graphics 630, a feature absent from the Xeon.

The architectural differences explain the benchmark results. The Xeon's 20 MB L3 cache and quad-channel memory give it a substantial bandwidth advantage, which likely contributes to its consistent 11% lead in multi-core tests. The i7's higher clock speeds (4.10 GHz boost vs. 3.00 GHz) are not enough to overcome the Xeon's core count and cache size. The process node difference (22 nm vs. 14 nm) explains the die size and TDP disparity, but does not translate into a performance win for the newer part in these CPU-bound tests.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i7-8705G has 4 cores and 8 threads. This 2x core advantage is a primary reason for the Xeon's multi-core benchmark wins.

Q: Does the i7-8705G ever beat the Xeon in any benchmark?

A: No. Across the six head-to-head Cinebench tests (R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core), the Xeon wins all of them. The i7's best result is a 912 in Cinebench R23 single-core, but the Xeon scores 1013, an 11.1% margin.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The Xeon E5-2628 v3 supports quad-channel DDR4, offering 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The i7-8705G supports dual-channel DDR4, offering 38.4 GB/s. This 29.9 GB/s gap is substantial and likely impacts multi-threaded performance.

Q: Which chip has integrated graphics?

A: The Core i7-8705G includes Intel HD Graphics 630. The Xeon E5-2628 v3 has no integrated graphics, meaning a discrete GPU is required for display output on that platform.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Xeon has an average benchmark score of 2076, while the i7-8705G scores 2058. These are very close, with the Xeon leading by less than 1%. However, the i7's average includes a Geekbench multi-core score of 3968 and single-core of 1277, which are not available for the Xeon in this data.

Q: What are the TDP and physical size differences?

A: The Xeon has an 85 W TDP and a 356 mm² die size. The i7-8705G has a 65 W TDP and a 125 mm² die size. The i7 is significantly smaller and more power-efficient, making it suitable for mobile or compact systems.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E5-2628 v3 | Intel Core i7-8705G |

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

| Cores | 8 | 4 |

| Threads | 16 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.00 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| TDP | 85 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | Intel BGA 2270 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Kaby Lake |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 356 mm² | 125 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 68.3 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe Lanes | 40 (Gen 3) | 8 (Gen 3) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD Graphics 630 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2014-09-07 | 2018-01-06 |

These differences are stark. The Xeon offers quadruple the PCIe lanes, more than double the L3 cache, and nearly double the memory bandwidth. The i7 counters with higher clock speeds, a smaller process node, and integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a consistent pattern: the Xeon E5-2628 v3 wins every benchmark by roughly 11%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 723 against the i7's 651, an 11.1% win. In R15 single-core, the Xeon scores 102 against 91, a 12.1% margin — the largest delta in the entire set. Moving to R20, the multi-core gap remains 11.1% (3015 vs. 2714), while single-core shows 11% (425 vs. 383). R23 repeats the pattern: multi-core 7179 vs. 6464 (11.1%) and single-core 1013 vs. 912 (11.1%).

The consistency of these margins is notable. Whether the test is multi-core or single-core, the Xeon maintains an 11-12% lead. This suggests the advantage is not purely from core count — even in single-core tests where the i7's 4.10 GHz boost clock should help, the Xeon's 3.00 GHz boost wins. The Xeon's larger L3 cache (20 MB vs. 8 MB) and higher memory bandwidth likely compensate for its lower clock speed. The i7's Geekbench scores (3968 multi-core, 1277 single-core) are not directly comparable to the Xeon because the Xeon lacks Geekbench results in this data, but the Cinebench results are comprehensive enough to establish the Xeon's superiority.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E5-2628 v3 wins in every computational benchmark recorded here. Its 6-0 sweep in Cinebench tests makes it the clear choice for any workload that relies on CPU throughput, whether multi-threaded rendering (R23 multi-core: 7179 vs. 6464) or single-threaded tasks (R23 single-core: 1013 vs. 912). The Xeon's 20 MB L3 cache and 68.3 GB/s quad-channel memory bandwidth give it a structural advantage in data-heavy applications. Its 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes also make it suitable for systems with multiple high-bandwidth peripherals.

The i7-8705G wins in the physical and practical domains. Its 65 W TDP versus the Xeon's 85 W makes it easier to cool in thin chassis. Its 125 mm² die size versus 356 mm² means it occupies far less board space. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU, which is critical for compact designs. Its dual-channel memory (38.4 GB/s) is sufficient for mobile workloads, and its 8 PCIe lanes are adequate for a laptop or mini-PC. The i7 also benefits from a later release date (2018-01-06 vs. 2014-09-07), meaning it supports newer platform features, though the data does not detail what those are.

In summary, the Xeon is the performance king, winning 6 out of 6 benchmarks with 11-12% margins. The i7 is the efficiency and integration champion, trading 11% performance for a 20 W lower TDP, a 231 mm² smaller die, and built-in graphics. The choice depends entirely on whether the user needs raw compute or a compact, self-contained package.