Intel Core i7-8809G vs Intel Xeon E-2226GE Comparison

The Intel Xeon E-2226GE and the Intel Core i7-8809G are both 14 nm Intel parts, but they serve different markets. The database places both at the 48th percentile among all CPUs, yet their average benchmark scores differ: the Xeon E-2226GE averages 2365, while the i7-8809G averages 2307. In the six head-to-head Cinebench tests recorded, the Xeon wins every one, with deltas consistently near 13.8%. The Xeon's average score puts it 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 5 2500X and 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i5-9600, while the i7-8809G's average sits 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i5-10400H and 1.1% ahead of the Intel Xeon E5-2629 v3. The Xeon E-2226GE carries a launch MSRP of $286.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data covers six Cinebench tests, and the Intel Xeon E-2226GE wins all six. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 824 against the i7-8809G's 724, a delta of 13.8%. The single-core R15 test shows a similar gap: 116 versus 102, a delta of 13.7%. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 3434 for the Xeon and 3017 for the i7, again a 13.8% delta. The R20 single-core test produces the largest margin in the set, with the Xeon at 484 and the i7 at 425, a delta of 13.9%. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core scores are 8177 and 7185, a 13.8% delta, and the single-core scores are 1154 and 1014, also a 13.8% delta.

The consistency of these deltas is striking. Across all six tests, the Xeon leads by roughly 14%, with the only variation being the 13.7% in R15 single-core and the 13.9% in R20 single-core. This indicates a uniform performance advantage rather than a workload-specific one. The i7-8809G never closes the gap, even in single-core tests where its 4.20 GHz boost clock might be expected to help. The Xeon's 4.60 GHz boost clock and its architectural efficiency keep it ahead in every scenario. The data shows a clear, repeatable lead for the Xeon E-2226GE.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process, but they belong to different architectural families. The Xeon E-2226GE is based on Coffee Lake, with the codename Coffee Lake-S WS, while the i7-8809G is based on Kaby Lake, with the codename Kaby Lake G. The Xeon has 6 physical cores and 6 threads, whereas the i7 has 4 physical cores and 8 threads. The i7 relies on Hyper-Threading to reach 8 threads, but the Xeon's two additional physical cores provide a raw throughput advantage that shows up in the multi-core benchmarks.

The cache hierarchy differs as well. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the Xeon has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7 has 8 MB. The Xeon's larger L3 cache likely contributes to its single-core lead. Memory support also diverges. The Xeon supports DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The i7 also supports DDR4, but the database does not record its memory bus or bandwidth. The Xeon supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the i7. For PCIe, the Xeon provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7 has no recorded PCIe data.

The integrated graphics are a major differentiator. The Xeon uses UHD Graphics P630, a basic integrated solution, while the i7 uses Radeon RX Vega M GH, a discrete-class GPU. The Xeon is a server and workstation part with an 80W TDP, while the i7 is a mobile part with a 65W TDP. The Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i7 uses Intel BGA 2270, a soldered mobile socket. The Xeon has a die size of 154 mm², while the i7's die size is not recorded. The Xeon was released on 2019-06-10, while the i7 was released on 2018-01-31. The Xeon is marked as end-of-life, while the i7 is marked as active.

Where Each One Wins

The head-to-head data is one-sided. The Xeon E-2226GE wins all six recorded Cinebench tests, covering both multi-core and single-core workloads. This makes the Xeon the clear choice for CPU-intensive tasks such as rendering, compilation, and scientific computing. The i7-8809G, however, has strengths that are not captured in the Cinebench head-to-head. The database records Geekbench scores for the i7: 4590 in multi-core and 1401 in single-core. The Xeon has no Geekbench scores in the database, so a direct comparison is not possible.

The i7's integrated Radeon RX Vega M GH is a far more capable graphics solution than the Xeon's UHD Graphics P630. For tasks that rely on the integrated GPU, such as light gaming, video playback, or GPU-accelerated encoding, the i7 is the better option. The i7's lower TDP of 65W, compared to the Xeon's 80W, also makes it more suitable for compact or battery-powered systems. The Xeon's ECC memory support is a critical feature for workstation and server environments where data integrity is paramount. The Xeon's market segment is server and workstation, while the i7 is a mobile part. In summary, the Xeon wins on raw CPU performance and reliability features, while the i7 wins on integrated graphics capability and power efficiency.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2226GE averages 2365, while the Intel Core i7-8809G averages 2307.

Q: How many head-to-head tests does the i7-8809G win?

A: The i7-8809G wins none of the six recorded head-to-head tests. The Xeon E-2226GE wins all six.

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The Xeon E-2226GE has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-8809G has 8 MB.

Q: Does the i7-8809G support ECC memory?

A: No. ECC memory support is exclusive to the Xeon E-2226GE.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The Xeon E-2226GE has 6 cores and 6 threads. The i7-8809G has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Xeon E-2226GE boosts to 4.60 GHz, while the i7-8809G boosts to 4.20 GHz.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous. The Intel Xeon E-2226GE is the superior processor for raw compute performance, leading the i7-8809G by 13.8% in multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests. The Xeon's 6 cores, 12 MB of L3 cache, and higher boost clock of 4.60 GHz give it a consistent edge. The i7-8809G, with its 4 cores and 8 threads, cannot match the Xeon in CPU-bound workloads. However, the i7 is not without merit. Its Radeon RX Vega M GH integrated graphics and 65W TDP make it a strong choice for mobile or compact systems where a discrete GPU is not feasible. The Xeon's ECC support and 80W TDP point to workstation reliability. For a user building a server or workstation that prioritizes CPU throughput and data integrity, the Xeon E-2226GE is the clear pick. For a user needing a mobile platform with capable integrated graphics and lower power consumption, the i7-8809G is the appropriate choice. The data shows that the Xeon wins on every recorded CPU benchmark, but the i7 wins on integrated graphics and power efficiency.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2226GE | Intel Core i7-8809G |

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 6 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 80W | 65W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel BGA 2270 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Kaby Lake |

| Codename | Coffee Lake-S WS | Kaby Lake G |

| Die Size | 154 mm² | Not recorded |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB shared | 8 MB shared |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Not recorded |

| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC Memory | Supported | Not supported |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Not recorded |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics P630 | Radeon RX Vega M GH |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

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

| Release Date | 2019-06-10 | 2018-01-31 |

| Part Number | SRGQW | Not recorded |