CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E-2186G and Intel Core i9-9880H are both Coffee Lake-era processors, but they target opposite ends of the computing spectrum: a workstation desktop and a high-performance mobile laptop. Despite the i9-9880H having two more cores and four more threads, benchmark results show the Xeon E-2186G taking a decisive lead in the vast majority of tests, while the i9-9880H manages a single, but notable, victory. This comparison reveals that core count is not the sole determinant of performance, as clock speed and power envelope play equally critical roles.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data is remarkably one-sided in favor of the Intel Xeon E-2186G. Across the Cinebench suite, which stresses both single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering, the Xeon wins every single round. In the Cinebench R15 multicore test, the Xeon E-2186G scores 1158 against the i9-9880H's 1152, a victory of 0.5%. The single-core result is slightly more pronounced, with the Xeon scoring 163 versus 162, a 0.6% margin. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the Xeon takes the multicore test with 4826 points over 4803 (a 0.5% lead) and the single-core test with 681 points over 677 (a 0.6% lead). The trend continues in the R23 version of the benchmark: the Xeon E-2186G posts 11492 multicore points against 11437 for the i9-9880H (0.5% ahead) and 1622 single-core points against 1614 (0.5% ahead). These are narrow margins, but they are consistent, indicating that the Xeon's higher base clock of 3.80 GHz provides a sustained advantage over the i9-9880H's 2.30 GHz base clock, even though the latter has a higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz versus 4.70 GHz.

The one benchmark where the Intel Core i9-9880H pulls ahead is Geekbench multicore. Here, the mobile chip scores 6248, surpassing the Xeon's 6204 by 0.7%. This is the only test in the entire head-to-head set where the i9-9880H wins, and it suggests that Geekbench's workload scales more effectively with the i9's additional two cores and four threads. However, the Geekbench single-core result tells a different story. The Xeon E-2186G dominates this test with a score of 1550 against the i9-9880H's 1372. This represents a massive 13% advantage for the Xeon, the largest delta in any benchmark between the two processors. This single-core performance gap is far more significant than the multicore differences seen elsewhere, highlighting the Xeon's superior per-core throughput.

When looking at the aggregate data, the Xeon E-2186G has an average benchmark score of 3462, placing it just ahead of the i9-9880H's 3433. Both processors sit at the 54th percentile among all CPUs, indicating they are mid-pack performers in the broader market. The Xeon's nearest rival is the Intel Core i7-9700F with an average score of 3464, a negligible 0% difference, while the i9-9880H is closely matched with the Intel Core i7-10875H at 3432, also a 0% difference. This proximity in average scores underscores that while the head-to-head is lopsided, both chips occupy a similar performance tier.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural difference lies in their core configuration, which is a direct result of their intended platforms. The Intel Xeon E-2186G is a 6-core, 12-thread processor built on the Coffee Lake-S WS architecture, designed for the Intel Socket 1151 platform. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-9880H is an 8-core, 16-thread part using the Coffee Lake-HR architecture, soldered to the Intel BGA 1440 socket for mobile systems. Both are fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process node, but the Xeon has a larger die size of 154 mm² compared to the i9's 149 mm².

Cache allocation reflects the core count difference. The Xeon E-2186G features 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i9-9880H packs a larger 16 MB of shared L3 cache. Both processors share the same per-core L1 and L2 cache sizes of 64 KB and 256 KB, respectively. This larger L3 cache on the i9-9880H is likely a factor in its Geekbench multicore win, as it provides more room for data to be shared across the eight cores.

The most striking specification difference is Thermal Design Power (TDP). The Xeon E-2186G has a TDP of 95 watts, reflecting its workstation heritage and desktop power delivery. The Core i9-9880H, as a mobile part, has a much lower TDP of just 45 watts. This 50-watt gap is the primary reason the i9-9880H has a significantly lower base clock (2.30 GHz) despite having a slightly higher boost clock (4.80 GHz). The Xeon's higher TDP allows it to maintain a much higher base clock of 3.80 GHz, which explains its consistent lead in single-threaded and most multi-threaded benchmarks. Other differences include the Xeon's support for ECC memory (true) versus the i9-9880H's lack thereof (false), and their integrated graphics: the Xeon uses HD Graphics P630 while the i9-9880H uses UHD 630.

Where Each One Wins

The data clearly delineates the strengths of each processor. The Intel Xeon E-2186G is the winner in all but one benchmark, making it the superior choice for most computing tasks that rely on raw clock speed and per-core efficiency. Its 13% lead in Geekbench single-core is particularly telling, suggesting it excels in applications that are not heavily multi-threaded, such as legacy software, certain productivity tools, and tasks that require fast response times. Its consistent, if small, wins across the Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests also show that its six cores are highly efficient, able to keep pace with and slightly exceed the eight-core i9-9880H in rendering workloads. For a workstation scenario where sustained performance is key, the Xeon's higher TDP ensures it can maintain its clocks without throttling.

The Intel Core i9-9880H's only victory comes in Geekbench multicore, where its 8-core, 16-thread configuration and larger 16 MB L3 cache give it an edge. This indicates that in workloads that scale almost perfectly with core count and can utilize the extra threads, such as video encoding or 3D rendering in certain applications, the i9-9880H can eke out a small advantage. However, this win is marginal at 0.7%, and it comes at the cost of significantly lower performance in all other tests. The i9-9880H's lower TDP of 45 watts also makes it the only viable option for a laptop form factor, where the Xeon's 95-watt TDP would be impossible to cool. Thus, the i9-9880H wins in the niche of mobile workstations where portability is a requirement, but it loses on pure performance metrics.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-9880H has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2186G has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Why does the 6-core Xeon E-2186G beat the 8-core i9-9880H in most benchmarks?

A: The data shows the Xeon has a base clock of 3.80 GHz compared to the i9-9880H's 2.30 GHz. This higher base clock, enabled by its 95-watt TDP versus the i9's 45-watt TDP, gives it a significant per-core performance advantage that overcomes the core count deficit in most tests.

Q: In which benchmark does the Core i9-9880H win?

A: The i9-9880H wins the Geekbench multicore test, scoring 6248 points against the Xeon's 6204, a 0.7% difference.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest gap is in the Geekbench single-core test, where the Xeon E-2186G scores 1550, which is 13% higher than the i9-9880H's score of 1372.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Xeon E-2186G supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i9-9880H does not.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each CPU?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2186G has an average benchmark score of 3462, and the Intel Core i9-9880H has an average benchmark score of 3433.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2186G | Intel Core i9-9880H |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 3.80 GHz | 2.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel BGA 1440 |

| Codename | Coffee Lake-S WS | Coffee Lake-HR |

| Die Size | 154 mm² | 149 mm² |

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

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics P630 | UHD 630 |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2018-05-30 | 2019-04-22 |

| Launch MSRP | $506 | N/A |

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E-2186G is the superior processor for raw performance. It wins 7 out of 8 head-to-head tests and holds a 13% advantage in single-core performance, which is a critical metric for many applications. The Xeon's higher TDP and base clock make it a better choice for any task where sustained, high-frequency operation is paramount, and its ECC memory support makes it suitable for workstation reliability. The i9-9880H's only win in Geekbench multicore is marginal and does not offset its losses elsewhere. Its strengths lie solely in its mobile form factor, as its 45-watt TDP is a requirement for laptop integration, and its extra cores provide a slight edge in highly parallel workloads. Therefore, for a desktop workstation where performance is the only metric that matters, the Intel Xeon E-2186G is the clear winner. For a mobile workstation where portability is non-negotiable, the Intel Core i9-9880H is the only option, but users should expect a performance trade-off, particularly in single-threaded applications. Users seeking a desktop processor should prioritize the Xeon E-2186G without hesitation, as the data shows it is faster in nearly every scenario.