CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i9-9900T and Intel Xeon E-2246G are both end-of-life LGA 1151 processors built on Intel’s 14nm Coffee Lake architecture, but they target very different priorities. The i9-9900T is a low-power desktop part with eight cores, while the Xeon E-2246G is a higher-clocked workstation chip with six cores and ECC memory support. Benchmark results show a clear split: the Xeon wins nearly every compute test, but the i9-9900T takes a decisive victory in Geekbench multi-core. This analysis breaks down the numbers, architecture, and use-case fit for each.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data is lopsided in favor of the Intel Xeon E-2246G, which wins 7 out of 8 benchmark comparisons. In Cinebench R15, the Xeon scores 1181 multi-core against the i9-9900T’s 1117, a 5.4% advantage. The single-core R15 result follows the same pattern: 166 versus 157, again a 5.4% edge for the Xeon. Moving to Cinebench R20, the Xeon leads with 4922 multi-core versus 4658, and 694 single-core versus 657, with deltas of 5.4% and 5.3% respectively. The margin stays consistent in Cinebench R23, where the Xeon’s 11720 multi-core and 1654 single-core beat the i9-9900T’s 11091 and 1565 by 5.4% in both tests. The Xeon also wins Geekbench single-core, posting 1613 against 1452, a 10% gap.

The i9-9900T’s sole victory comes in Geekbench multi-core, where it scores 7298 against the Xeon’s 5988. That is a 21.9% advantage, a massive swing that flips the overall narrative. This is not a small margin; it suggests the i9-9900T’s two extra cores (8 versus 6) provide a substantial throughput benefit in workloads that scale well across threads and are less sensitive to clock speed. However, the Xeon’s higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz versus 4.40 GHz likely explains its dominance in every single-core test and in Cinebench’s multi-threaded tests, which appear to favor higher per-core performance over raw core count.

The average benchmark scores tell a similar story. The i9-9900T averages 3499 across all tests, while the Xeon E-2246G averages 3492. The delta between them is just 0.2%, placing them as near-identical overall performers. Both sit at the 55th percentile among all CPUs, and their nearest rivals include each other, along with the Intel Xeon E-2176G, Xeon E5-1680 v4, and Xeon D-1732TE. The Xeon E-2176G scores 3502, essentially tied with the i9-9900T, while the E5-1680 v4 scores 3494. This clustering shows that neither chip is a clear outlier; they are both mid-pack processors with strengths in different benchmark types.

Architecture Differences

The most significant architectural difference is core count. The i9-9900T packs 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon E-2246G has 6 cores and 12 threads. This explains the Geekbench multi-core result, where the i9-9900T’s additional cores deliver a 21.9% win. However, the Xeon compensates with higher clocks: a base frequency of 3.60 GHz and boost of 4.80 GHz, versus the i9-9900T’s 2.10 GHz base and 4.40 GHz boost. The Xeon’s 0.40 GHz boost advantage is likely the key driver behind its single-core wins.

Cache configurations differ accordingly. The i9-9900T has 16 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Xeon E-2246G has 12 MB. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB per core. The Xeon’s smaller die size, 154 mm² versus 180.3 mm², reflects its fewer cores. Both are built on Intel’s 14nm process at the same foundry, and both use the same Intel Socket 1151, dual-channel DDR4 memory with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

A critical divergence is ECC memory support. The Xeon E-2246G supports ECC memory, while the i9-9900T does not. This is a defining feature for workstation or server use, where data integrity is paramount. Integrated graphics also differ: the i9-9900T uses UHD Graphics 630, while the Xeon uses HD Graphics P630. Both are capable of display output, but the Xeon’s P630 is positioned for professional workloads. The Xeon is classified as a Server/Workstation part, while the i9-9900T is a Desktop chip. The Xeon also has a higher TDP of 80 watts versus 35 watts, which is a direct consequence of its higher clock speeds.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E-2246G is the clear winner in single-threaded and lightly-threaded workloads. Its 10% lead in Geekbench single-core and consistent 5.4% advantage across all Cinebench single-core tests indicate it is better for tasks that rely on one or two fast cores. This includes older games, certain spreadsheet operations, and many legacy applications. The Xeon also wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests, which suggests that Cinebench’s rendering engine favors the Xeon’s higher clocks over the i9-9900T’s extra cores. For users running Cinebench-style workloads, the Xeon is the better choice despite having fewer cores.

The i9-9900T’s win in Geekbench multi-core points to a different strength. Geekbench’s multi-core test scales more aggressively with core count, and the i9-9900T’s 8 cores deliver a 21.9% advantage. This makes it a better option for heavily parallel workloads like video encoding, 3D rendering in some engines, and scientific computing that uses all available threads. The i9-9900T’s lower 35-watt TDP also makes it suitable for compact or passively-cooled systems where power draw and heat output are constrained, though the data does not quantify the thermal impact beyond the TDP figure.

For workstation users requiring ECC memory, the Xeon E-2246G is the only viable choice between the two, as the i9-9900T lacks this feature. The Xeon’s higher base clock of 3.60 GHz also means it delivers more consistent performance under sustained loads without relying on boost behavior. The i9-9900T’s 2.10 GHz base clock is significantly lower, meaning it may spend more time in boost states to reach competitive performance, which could impact power draw in practice.

The Verdict

The data points to a simple conclusion: pick the Xeon E-2246G unless you specifically need eight cores or a very low power envelope. The Xeon wins 7 of 8 benchmarks, including all Cinebench tests, with a 5.4% margin in multi-core and a 10% margin in Geekbench single-core. Its higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz and ECC memory support make it a stronger all-rounder for professional workloads. The i9-9900T’s only win is Geekbench multi-core, where its 8 cores deliver a 21.9% advantage. If your primary application is Geekbench-style parallel compute, the i9-9900T is the better choice. Otherwise, the Xeon’s consistent performance across every other test makes it the safer recommendation.

Both chips average within 0.2% of each other overall, so neither is a performance outlier. The Xeon’s launch MSRP is $311, while the i9-9900T’s is $423. For users who value ECC memory, the Xeon is the only option. For users who want the lowest TDP (35 watts versus 80 watts) and maximum core count, the i9-9900T is the pick. The Xeon’s 6 cores and 12 threads are still ample for most tasks, but the i9-9900T’s 8 cores and 16 threads provide headroom for future multi-threaded workloads.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Xeon E-2246G wins every single-core test. It scores 166 in Cinebench R15, 694 in R20, 1654 in R23, and 1613 in Geekbench single-core, all ahead of the i9-9900T’s 157, 657, 1565, and 1452 respectively.

Q: Does the i9-9900T win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 7298 versus the Xeon’s 5988, a 21.9% advantage. It loses the other 7 head-to-head comparisons.

Q: Do these CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No, the i9-9900T does not support ECC memory. The Xeon E-2246G supports ECC memory, which is a key differentiator for workstation reliability.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The i9-9900T has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Xeon E-2246G has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i9-9900T averages 3499, and the Xeon E-2246G averages 3492. The difference is just 0.2%, making them statistically tied in overall performance.

Q: Which CPU has a lower TDP?

A: The i9-9900T has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Xeon E-2246G has a TDP of 80 watts. The i9-9900T draws less power but has a lower base clock of 2.10 GHz versus 3.60 GHz.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-9900T | Intel Xeon E-2246G |

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

| Cores | 8 | 6 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 80 W |

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

| Die Size | 180.3 mm² | 154 mm² |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 630 | HD Graphics P630 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Launch MSRP | $423 | $311 |