Intel Xeon E-2126G vs Intel Xeon E-2186M Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data splits these two six-core Xeon processors into two distinct performance profiles. Across the Cinebench suite, the Intel Xeon E-2186M wins every single test, with deltas consistently sitting at 7.1% to 7.3%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2186M scores 961 against the E-2126G's 896, a 7.3% advantage. Single-core R15 shows 135 versus 126, a 7.1% edge. The pattern repeats in R20: 4007 versus 3734 for multi-core, and 565 versus 527 for single-core, both at 7.3% and 7.2% respectively. R23 multi-core gives 9542 against 8891, again 7.3%, while R23 single-core is 1347 to 1255, also 7.3%. These are consistent, predictable margins across all six Cinebench workloads.

The Geekbench tests tell a different story. Here the Intel Xeon E-2126G takes both wins, reversing the trend. Geekbench multi-core shows 5743 for the E-2126G against 5306 for the E-2186M, a 7.6% swing in the opposite direction. Single-core Geekbench is 1565 versus 1434, an 8.4% gap favoring the E-2126G. This is a notable split: the E-2186M dominates one benchmark family, while the E-2126G dominates the other. The wins tally stands at 6 for the E-2186M and 2 for the E-2126G.

Average benchmark scores reflect this mixed picture. The E-2186M posts an average of 2912, while the E-2126G averages 2842. The difference is small, roughly 70 points. Both processors sit at the 51st percentile against all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same mid-range tier in the database. The nearest rivals for the E-2186M include the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 at 2909 (0.1% difference), the Intel Core i5-1335UE at 2907 (0.2%), the Intel Xeon E-2414 at 2905 (0.2%), and the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 at 2921 (-0.3%). For the E-2126G, the closest competition is the Intel Core i7-6800K at 2838 (0.1%), the Intel Core i5-10600 at 2837 (0.2%), the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5450U at 2829 (0.5%), and the Intel Core i7-11370H at 2861 (-0.6%). These rival deltas show both chips are tightly clustered with their nearest peers.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture. They are Coffee Lake parts, with the E-2186M using the Coffee Lake-H codename and the E-2126G using Coffee Lake-S WS. Both are built on Intel's 14 nm process node, and both have a die size of 154 mm². The cache layout is identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. Memory support is also the same, with DDR4 on a dual-channel bus, delivering 42.7 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is supported on both, and both run PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The core counts differ in threading. The E-2186M has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the E-2126G has 6 cores and 6 threads. This means the E-2186M can process two threads per core, while the E-2126G is limited to one. The base clocks reflect this trade-off. The E-2186M runs at 2.90 GHz base, while the E-2126G runs at 3.30 GHz. Boost clocks are closer: 4.80 GHz for the E-2186M and 4.50 GHz for the E-2126G. The higher base clock on the E-2126G likely explains its Geekbench wins, while the extra threads on the E-2186M help in Cinebench's multi-threaded workloads.

Thermal design power differs substantially. The E-2186M is rated at 45 W, while the E-2126G is rated at 80 W. The lower TDP on the E-2186M suggests it is designed for a more power-constrained environment, consistent with its BGA 1440 socket. The E-2126G uses the LGA 1151 socket, which is more typical of desktop-style installations. Integrated graphics also differ: the E-2186M carries UHD Graphics P630, while the E-2126G carries HD Graphics P630. Both are server/workstation parts, both are end-of-life, and both are multiplier-unlocked false.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2186M has 12 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2126G has 6 threads. Both have 6 cores, but the E-2186M supports hyper-threading.

Q: Why does the E-2126G win Geekbench despite losing Cinebench?

A: The E-2126G has a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz versus 2.90 GHz for the E-2186M. In Geekbench, the E-2126G scores 5743 multi-core and 1565 single-core, versus 5306 and 1434 for the E-2186M. The E-2186M's extra threads do not help in these specific tests.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The E-2186M averages 2912, while the E-2126G averages 2842. That is a gap of 70 points, with the E-2186M ahead by roughly 2.5% on average.

Q: Are both processors on the same socket?

A: No. The E-2186M uses Intel BGA 1440, while the E-2126G uses Intel Socket 1151. This means they are not interchangeable in the same motherboard.

Q: Do both support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the E-2186M and the E-2126G support ECC memory. They also share the same dual-channel DDR4 bus and 42.7 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which chip has the higher boost clock?

A: The E-2186M boosts to 4.80 GHz, while the E-2126G boosts to 4.50 GHz. Despite this, the E-2126G has a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split based on workload type. If the workload relies on multi-threaded rendering or encoding, the Intel Xeon E-2186M is the stronger choice. It wins all six Cinebench tests, including R23 multi-core at 9542 versus 8891, a 7.3% margin. Its 12 threads give it a measurable advantage in these scenarios. The E-2186M also carries a much lower TDP at 45 W versus 80 W, which is relevant for systems with tighter thermal or power budgets.

For single-thread-heavy tasks or applications that favor Geekbench's scoring method, the Intel Xeon E-2126G is ahead. It wins Geekbench multi-core by 7.6% and single-core by 8.4%. Its higher base clock of 3.30 GHz is the likely driver. The E-2126G also has a significantly lower launch MSRP of $255, compared to $623 for the E-2186M. That is a large price gap, and it may matter for procurement decisions.

The average benchmark scores are close, with the E-2186M at 2912 and the E-2126G at 2842. Both sit at the 51st percentile, so neither is a runaway winner overall. The choice depends on whether the application mix is Cinebench-style multi-threaded work or Geekbench-style single-threaded work. The E-2186M is the better all-around multi-threaded part, while the E-2126G is the better single-threaded part with a lower entry price.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2186M | Intel Xeon E-2126G |

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

| Threads | 12 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Codename | Coffee Lake-H | Coffee Lake-S WS |

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

| Release Date | 2018-04-03 | 2018-07-11 |

| Launch MSRP | $623 | $255 |

| Part Number | SRCKQ | SR3WU |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E-2186M wins in all Cinebench tests. That includes R15 multi-core (961 versus 896), R15 single-core (135 versus 126), R20 multi-core (4007 versus 3734), R20 single-core (565 versus 527), R23 multi-core (9542 versus 8891), and R23 single-core (1347 versus 1255). These are consistent 7.1% to 7.3% margins. The E-2186M also wins on average benchmark score, 2912 versus 2842, and on TDP efficiency, 45 W versus 80 W. It is the better choice for systems where multi-threaded rendering, video encoding, or similar parallel workloads are the primary use case.

The Intel Xeon E-2126G wins in Geekbench multi-core (5743 versus 5306) and Geekbench single-core (1565 versus 1434). These margins are 7.6% and 8.4% respectively. The E-2126G also has a higher base clock at 3.30 GHz, which contributes to its single-thread performance. It uses the LGA 1151 socket, which may be more accessible in standard desktop-style chassis. The E-2126G is the better pick for single-threaded applications, legacy software that does not scale with threads, or workloads where the higher base clock matters more than thread count. Its lower launch MSRP of $255 versus $623 also makes it the more economical option, though cost should not be the sole deciding factor. The E-2126G is the winner in exactly 2 of the 8 head-to-head tests, but those wins are significant and point to a different performance profile.