Intel Core i9-11900T vs Intel Xeon E-2386G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Xeon E-2386G across all six shared Cinebench tests. The Xeon wins every single-core and multi-core round, with a consistent margin of 6.4% in most tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 1672 against the Core i9-11900T's 1572, a 6.4% advantage. The single-core R15 result is 235 versus 221, a 6.3% edge. This pattern repeats in R20 multi-core (6968 vs 6550, 6.4%) and R20 single-core (983 vs 924, 6.4%). The R23 multi-core test shows 16592 for the Xeon versus 15596 for the Core i9, again 6.4%, while R23 single-core lands at 2342 versus 2201, also 6.4%. The only test where the margin is slightly smaller is R15 single-core at 6.3%, but the outcome is unchanged.

The average benchmark score in the database tells a similar story. The Xeon E-2386G averages 4799 across its recorded tests, while the Core i9-11900T averages 4685. That places the Xeon in the 59th percentile of all CPUs tracked, versus the 58th percentile for the Core i9. The Core i9 does have one benchmark the Xeon lacks: Geekbench results of 8257 multi-core and 2157 single-core. However, that does not offset the Cinebench deficit, and the Xeon still edges ahead in overall standing.

Looking at nearest rivals adds context. The Xeon E-2386G sits within 0.2% of the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (4807 average) and is 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i5-1350P (4776). The Core i9-11900T, by comparison, is 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i9-10900F (4664) but 1% behind the Intel Core i7-6950X (4734). Neither processor is a class leader; both cluster in the upper-mid range of the database, but the Xeon consistently holds a small performance advantage in every shared workload.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process and share the same Rocket Lake architecture family. The Xeon E-2386G is part of the Xeon E-2300 series with the codename Rocket Lake-E, while the Core i9-11900T belongs to the Core 11th Gen lineup with the codename Rocket Lake. Both have the same die size of 276 mm² and identical per-core cache: 80 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2. The differences emerge in core count and shared cache. The Xeon packs 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i9 offers 8 cores and 16 threads. The Core i9 compensates with a larger 16 MB shared L3 cache, compared to the Xeon's 12 MB.

Clock speeds differ sharply. The Xeon has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The Core i9-11900T, a low-power variant, has a base clock of 1500.00 MHz (1.50 GHz) and a boost of 4.90 GHz. This explains why the 6-core Xeon can outrun the 8-core Core i9 in multi-threaded tests despite having fewer cores: the Core i9's base clock is drastically lower, and its boost is also 200 MHz below the Xeon's.

The thermal envelopes reinforce that distinction. The Xeon is rated at 95 W TDP, while the Core i9-11900T is rated at just 35 W TDP. That low TDP is the defining trait of the "T" series, designed for compact or thermally constrained systems. The Core i9 also targets the Desktop market segment, whereas the Xeon is aimed at Server/Workstation use. Production status differs too: the Xeon is marked Active, while the Core i9 is End-of-life.

Memory support is similar on paper: both use DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. The key split is ECC. The Xeon supports ECC memory, the Core i9 does not. Both connect via PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are present on both, but they differ: the Xeon uses UHD Graphics P750, the Core i9 uses UHD Graphics 750. Neither has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a supported feature on either part. The release dates are also different, with the Core i9 arriving earlier in March 2021 and the Xeon following in September 2021.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E-2386G wins in raw compute throughput. Every Cinebench test in the database, single-core or multi-core, goes to the Xeon. Its higher base clock (3.50 GHz vs 1.50 GHz) and higher boost (5.10 GHz vs 4.90 GHz) give it a decisive edge in both lightly threaded and fully loaded workloads. For users who need consistent, high-frequency execution across rendering, compilation, or simulation tasks, the Xeon is the stronger choice. The 6.4% multi-core margin in R23 (16592 vs 15596) shows that even with two fewer cores, the Xeon's clock advantage overcomes the Core i9's extra threads.

The Core i9-11900T wins where power limits and thermals dominate. Its 35 W TDP versus the Xeon's 95 W makes it suited for small-form-factor desktops, fanless designs, or always-on systems where heat dissipation is a constraint. The Core i9 also offers two additional cores and four additional threads (8 cores, 16 threads versus 6 cores, 12 threads), which could matter in workloads that scale well with thread count if the power budget allows. The larger 16 MB L3 cache, up from 12 MB, may also help in cache-sensitive tasks. Its Geekbench results, 8257 multi-core and 2157 single-core, are recorded only for the Core i9, and while no direct Xeon comparison exists for that test, the figures show it is a capable performer in its own right.

The Xeon additionally brings ECC memory support, which the Core i9 lacks. That makes it the pick for systems where data integrity is critical, such as small servers, network appliances, or workstation builds that benefit from error-correcting RAM. The Core i9, with its desktop market segment designation, is more of a power-efficient general-purpose processor for a standard PC chassis. In short, the Xeon is the performance leader in every measured benchmark, while the Core i9 is the efficiency-oriented alternative with more cores and a lower thermal footprint.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2386G wins all single-core Cinebench tests. It scores 235 in R15, 983 in R20, and 2342 in R23, versus 221, 924, and 2201 for the Core i9-11900T. The margin is 6.3% in R15 single-core and 6.4% in the R20 and R23 single-core tests.

Q: Does the Core i9-11900T have more cores than the Xeon?

A: Yes. The Core i9-11900T has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon E-2386G has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Why does the Xeon win multi-core tests despite having fewer cores?

A: The Xeon has a base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 1500.00 MHz for the Core i9, and a boost of 5.10 GHz versus 4.90 GHz. That clock advantage is enough to overcome the Core i9's two extra cores in all measured Cinebench multi-core tests.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2386G supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i9-11900T does not.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The Xeon E-2386G is rated at 95 W, while the Core i9-11900T is rated at 35 W.

Q: Are both CPUs on the same socket?

A: Yes, both use Intel Socket 1200, and both provide PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU.

Specification Differences

| Specification Difference | Intel Xeon E-2386G | Intel Core i9-11900T |

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

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 1500.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.10 GHz | 4.90 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 35 W |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 16 MB (shared) |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics P750 | UHD Graphics 750 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

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

| Release Date | 2021-09-07 | 2021-03-15 |

| Launch MSRP | $450 | $439 |

| Part Number | SRKN0 | SRKNQ |

| Generation | Xeon E (Rocket Lake-E) | Core i9 (Rocket Lake-S) |

| Average Benchmark Score | 4799 | 4685 |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 59 | 58 |