Intel Core i7-8850H vs Intel Xeon E-2144G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data presents a clear split: the Intel Core i7-8850H dominates in Cinebench workloads, while the Intel Xeon E-2144G takes the Geekbench tests. Out of eight recorded comparisons, the i7-8850H wins six, with the Xeon E-2144G winning two.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-8850H scores 857 against the Xeon's 797, a 7.5% advantage. The single-core R15 result follows the same pattern: 120 versus 112, a 7.1% lead for the i7. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore margin grows slightly to 7.6% (3574 vs 3322), and the single-core gap widens further to 7.7% (504 vs 468). Cinebench R23 repeats the story: the i7-8850H posts 8511 multicore versus 7910 for the Xeon, again a 7.6% edge, and 1201 single-core versus 1116, also 7.6% ahead. These are consistent, repeatable margins across three generations of the Cinebench test, indicating the i7-8850H holds a structural advantage in rendering and CPU-intensive threaded workloads.

The Geekbench results flip the narrative. In Geekbench multicore, the Xeon E-2144G scores 4875 against the i7's 4765, a 2.3% lead for the Xeon. The Geekbench single-core test is even more decisive: the Xeon achieves 1508 versus the i7's 1300, a 13.8% advantage. This is the largest single delta in the entire comparison. The Geekbench suite, which emphasizes memory latency, integer performance, and certain cryptographic operations, clearly favors the Xeon's higher clock speed and desktop-oriented design.

The average benchmark score tells a similar story. The i7-8850H averages 2604 across all tests, while the Xeon E-2144G averages 2514. The i7's average is 3.6% higher, but the Xeon's Geekbench wins show it is not simply slower across the board. The delta percentages in the head-to-head table are the authoritative measure: the i7 wins by 7.1% to 7.7% in Cinebench, and the Xeon wins by 2.3% and 13.8% in Geekbench.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i7-8850H scores 8511 versus the Intel Xeon E-2144G's 7910, a 7.6% advantage for the i7.

Q: Which processor has a higher Geekbench single-core score?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2144G scores 1508, which is 13.8% higher than the Intel Core i7-8850H's 1300.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-8850H has an average benchmark score of 2604, while the Intel Xeon E-2144G averages 2514. The i7 leads by 3.6%.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2144G supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-8850H does not.

Q: What is the difference in core count?

A: The Intel Core i7-8850H has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2144G has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has a smaller die size?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2144G has a die size of 126 mm², while the Intel Core i7-8850H has a die size of 149 mm².

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process node and share the Coffee Lake architecture, but they target different market segments and physical designs. The Intel Core i7-8850H belongs to the Coffee Lake-H codename, a mobile-oriented design with a 149 mm² die size. The Intel Xeon E-2144G is part of the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, a workstation/server variant with a smaller 126 mm² die.

The core configuration is the most significant architectural divergence. The i7-8850H packs 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Xeon E-2144G has 4 cores and 8 threads. This gives the i7 a 50% core advantage and a 50% thread advantage, which directly explains its Cinebench multicore wins. The Xeon compensates with higher clock speeds: its base clock is 3.60 GHz and boost clock is 4.50 GHz, compared to the i7's 2.70 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. The Xeon's 0.9 GHz higher base clock and 0.2 GHz higher boost clock are the primary reasons for its Geekbench single-core dominance.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the i7-8850H has 12 MB of shared L3, while the Xeon E-2144G has 8 MB of shared L3. The i7's larger L3 pool supports its higher core count, while the Xeon's smaller cache is paired with fewer cores.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-8850H uses UHD 630, while the Xeon E-2144G uses HD Graphics P630. Both are integrated solutions, but the Xeon's version is positioned for workstation use. The Xeon supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the i7, which is a critical architectural distinction for reliability-sensitive workloads.

The Xeon E-2144G also exposes a PCIe specification of Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8850H does not list a PCIe configuration in the database. The Xeon's memory bandwidth is recorded as 42.7 GB/s with dual-channel support, whereas the i7's memory bandwidth and bus details are not specified.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on several core specification fields. The i7-8850H has 6 cores and 12 threads; the Xeon E-2144G has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are 2.70 GHz for the i7 and 3.60 GHz for the Xeon, a 0.9 GHz difference. Boost clocks are 4.30 GHz for the i7 and 4.50 GHz for the Xeon, a 0.2 GHz gap.

Thermal design power differs substantially: the i7-8850H is rated at 45 W, while the Xeon E-2144G is rated at 71 W. This reflects the i7's mobile orientation versus the Xeon's socketed workstation design.

Sockets are incompatible: the i7 uses Intel BGA 1440, a soldered mobile socket, while the Xeon uses Intel Socket 1151, a desktop/workstation socket. The i7's die is 149 mm², the Xeon's is 126 mm², a 23 mm² difference.

L3 cache differs: the i7 has 12 MB shared, the Xeon has 8 MB shared. The Xeon supports ECC memory; the i7 does not. The Xeon lists dual-channel memory bus and 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth; the i7 has no recorded memory bus or bandwidth values. Both support DDR4 memory. The Xeon's integrated graphics is HD Graphics P630; the i7's is UHD 630. The Xeon's PCIe is Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only); the i7 has no recorded PCIe specification.

The i7-8850H has a part number of SR3YZ, while the Xeon E-2144G has SR3WM. The Xeon has a launch MSRP of $272; the i7 has no recorded launch MSRP. Both are end-of-life products, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-8850H wins every Cinebench test: R15 multicore (857 vs 797), R15 single-core (120 vs 112), R20 multicore (3574 vs 3322), R20 single-core (504 vs 468), R23 multicore (8511 vs 7910), and R23 single-core (1201 vs 1116). This suite stresses sustained multi-threaded rendering and also rewards single-threaded latency, and the i7 wins both aspects. The i7's 6-core, 12-thread configuration and larger 12 MB L3 cache are the likely drivers of its multicore edge, while its 4.30 GHz boost clock is enough to outpace the Xeon's 4.50 GHz in Cinebench's single-core test, which is an unexpected result given the Xeon's higher clock.

The Intel Xeon E-2144G wins Geekbench multicore (4875 vs 4765, a 2.3% edge) and Geekbench single-core (1508 vs 1300, a 13.8% edge). The Geekbench suite is known for including memory-heavy and integer-heavy workloads, and the Xeon's higher base clock (3.60 GHz vs 2.70 GHz) and higher boost clock (4.50 GHz vs 4.30 GHz) likely contribute to its single-core dominance. The multicore Geekbench win is more surprising given the i7's extra cores, but the Xeon's 13.8% single-core lead shows its per-core efficiency is superior in this benchmark.

For users running Cinebench-style rendering, video encoding, or any workload that scales with core count, the i7-8850H is the clear choice. For users running Geekbench-style integer, memory-latency, or cryptographic workloads, the Xeon E-2144G offers a measurable advantage. The Xeon also wins on ECC memory support, which is a requirement for certain server and workstation environments.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward conclusion: the Intel Core i7-8850H is the stronger overall performer in the Cinebench suite, winning six of eight head-to-head tests with margins between 7.1% and 7.7%. Its average benchmark score of 2604 is higher than the Xeon's 2514, and its 6-core, 12-thread configuration provides a clear advantage in threaded workloads. However, the Xeon E-2144G is not a weak competitor; it wins Geekbench multicore by 2.3% and Geekbench single-core by a commanding 13.8%.

For mobile users or anyone constrained by a 45 W TDP who needs maximum Cinebench performance, the i7-8850H is the data-backed choice. For workstation or server users who require ECC memory, a socketed platform (Intel Socket 1151), and superior Geekbench single-core performance, the Xeon E-2144G is the better fit. The Xeon's 71 W TDP and higher clocks make it a desktop-oriented part, while the i7's 45 W TDP and BGA 1440 socket are designed for laptops.

The verdict depends on workload. If the benchmark suite is Cinebench, choose the i7-8850H. If the benchmark suite is Geekbench or the environment demands ECC, choose the Xeon E-2144G. The Xeon also has a recorded launch MSRP of $272, while the i7 has no recorded MSRP. Both processors are end-of-life, but their benchmark profiles remain valid for comparison. The i7's 7.6% average Cinebench edge and the Xeon's 13.8% Geekbench single-core edge are the two numbers that summarize this matchup.