Intel Core i7-8706G vs Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 Comparison

The Intel Core i7-8706G and the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 are both 4-core, 8-thread processors, yet they target entirely different segments: one is a mobile part with integrated graphics, the other a server/workstation chip with ECC support. Benchmark data shows they are incredibly close in raw compute performance, with the i7-8706G holding a slim but consistent edge across all tested Cinebench workloads. The average benchmark score for the i7-8706G is 1842, placing it at the 42nd percentile, while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 scores an average of 1823, also at the 42nd percentile. The nearest rival to the i7-8706G is the Intel Core i5-7600, which is effectively tied with a -0.1% delta, while the Xeon’s closest competitor is the Intel Xeon D-1537, also tied at -0.4%.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 has a higher base clock of 3.70 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i7-8706G’s 3.10 GHz. The Xeon’s boost clock, however, is lower at 3.80 GHz versus the i7’s 4.10 GHz.

Q: How do the two chips compare in multi-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-8706G wins all multi-core tests, but by narrow margins. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 6368 against the Xeon’s 6303, a 1% difference. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the scores are 641 versus 635, a 0.9% gap.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-8706G does not. This is a key differentiator for workstation reliability.

Q: What is the memory bus configuration for each CPU?

A: The Xeon E5-1630 v3 features a quad-channel memory bus with a bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. The i7-8706G’s memory bus and bandwidth details are not specified in the data.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 has 10 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i7-8706G has 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have identical L1 and L2 cache sizes of 64 KB and 256 KB per core, respectively.

Q: Are both processors from the same manufacturing process?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-8706G is built on a 14 nm process, while the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 uses a larger 22 nm node. The Xeon also has a much larger die size of 356 mm² and contains 2,600 million transistors.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs belong to different architectural generations and design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-8706G is based on the Kaby Lake architecture, specifically the Kaby Lake G variant, and is fabricated on Intel’s 14 nm process node. It is a mobile-focused part, classified under the “Mobile” market segment, and features an integrated Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU. This makes it a unique hybrid solution, combining a CPU with a discrete-class graphics processor on the same package. The chip has a TDP of 65 watts and uses the Intel BGA 2270 socket.

In contrast, the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 is a server and workstation processor built on the older Haswell architecture, specifically Haswell-EP, using a 22 nm process. It has a significantly higher TDP of 140 watts and is designed for the Intel Socket 2011-3 platform. The Xeon’s transistor count is listed at 2,600 million, with a die size of 356 mm², while the i7-8706G’s transistor count and die size are not provided. The Xeon supports ECC memory and features a quad-channel memory bus with a high bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s, whereas the i7-8706G supports standard DDR4 memory without ECC and has no listed memory bus or bandwidth specifications.

The Xeon also offers a PCIe Gen 3 interface with 40 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8706G’s PCIe configuration is not listed. The i7-8706G is a newer release, launched in January 2018, while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 dates back to September 2014 and is marked as end-of-life. The i7-8706G remains active in production. Both CPUs have locked multipliers, meaning they are not unlocked for overclocking.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results paint a picture of near-identical performance, with the Intel Core i7-8706G edging out the Xeon in every single test. All six head-to-head comparisons show the i7-8706G as the winner, though the deltas are all around 1% or slightly above. This suggests that for most real-world workloads, users would be hard-pressed to notice a difference in raw CPU throughput.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-8706G scores 641 against the Xeon’s 635, a 0.9% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows a similar story: 90 versus 89, a 1.1% lead for the i7. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core scores are 2674 for the i7-8706G and 2647 for the Xeon, a 1% difference. The single-core R20 test sees the i7 win with 377 points versus 373, again a 1.1% margin.

The most recent test, Cinebench R23, confirms the pattern. In multi-core, the i7-8706G scores 6368, while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 scores 6303, giving the i7 a 1% advantage. In single-core, the scores are 899 and 889, respectively, a 1.1% lead for the i7-8706G. While the Xeon has a higher base clock speed (3.70 GHz vs 3.10 GHz), the i7-8706G’s higher boost clock (4.10 GHz vs 3.80 GHz) and newer architecture appear to compensate, resulting in a slight but consistent performance edge.

Specification Differences

The specification sheets for these two processors diverge significantly, reflecting their different intended environments. The most obvious difference is in thermal design power: the Intel Core i7-8706G has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 draws 140 watts, more than double. The i7-8706G uses the Intel BGA 2270 socket, whereas the Xeon uses the larger Intel Socket 2011-3.

The process nodes differ, with the i7-8706G on 14 nm and the Xeon on 22 nm. The Xeon’s die size is listed at 356 mm² with 2,600 million transistors; the i7-8706G has no such figures listed. Cache sizes also differ: the i7-8706G has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon has 10 MB. Both have the same L1 (64 KB per core) and L2 (256 KB per core) caches.

Memory support is a critical differentiator. The Xeon E5-1630 v3 supports ECC memory, has a quad-channel memory bus, and offers a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. The i7-8706G supports non-ECC DDR4 memory, but its memory bus and bandwidth are not specified. The Xeon also has a PCIe Gen 3 interface with 40 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8706G’s PCIe configuration is not listed.

Integrated graphics represent another major split. The i7-8706G includes a Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU, while the Xeon has no integrated graphics. The i7-8706G is classified as a mobile part, whereas the Xeon is a server/workstation chip. Production statuses differ as well: the i7-8706G is active, while the Xeon is end-of-life. The Xeon also has a part number (QFSVSR20L), which the i7-8706G lacks.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-8706G wins on every benchmark metric measured, but the margins are so small that they only matter in pure synthetic testing. Its real advantage lies in its feature set and platform. For a mobile or compact system, the i7-8706G is the clear choice due to its integrated Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics, which eliminates the need for a discrete GPU. Its lower 65-watt TDP makes it suitable for thinner, cooler designs. The 14 nm process node suggests better power efficiency per clock, and its active production status ensures ongoing availability.

The Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3, despite losing all benchmarks, has its own strengths. Its support for ECC memory is crucial for mission-critical server and workstation applications where data integrity is paramount. The quad-channel memory bus with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth provides a memory throughput advantage that the i7-8706G cannot match, as its bandwidth is unspecified. The Xeon’s 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes offer greater expansion capability for multiple GPUs or high-speed network cards. Its higher base clock of 3.70 GHz could also be beneficial in workloads that are sensitive to base frequency rather than boost behavior.

In terms of raw compute, benchmark results indicate the i7-8706G is marginally faster in Cinebench tests, but the Xeon’s platform features—ECC, quad-channel memory, and abundant PCIe lanes—make it the better fit for a stable, expandable workstation. The i7-8706G, with its integrated graphics and low TDP, is better suited for portable or all-in-one systems where space and power are at a premium. The Xeon’s end-of-life status is a consideration, but for legacy server builds or applications requiring ECC, it remains a viable option. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether the user prioritizes the i7-8706G’s integrated graphics and efficiency or the Xeon’s enterprise-grade memory and expansion capabilities.