CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E-2234 is the clear winner in this comparison, taking all six head-to-head Cinebench tests. The data shows no benchmark category where the older Xeon E-2134 comes out ahead. This is a straightforward generational refresh: the E-2234 offers a small but consistent performance edge across single-core and multi-core workloads, making it the better pick for anyone choosing between these two specific server/workstation parts.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark results are unambiguous: the Xeon E-2234 wins every single test in the head-to-head comparison, with a 6-0 record. There is no workload category where the Xeon E-2134 takes a win. However, the margin of victory is narrow and uniform, which means the practical difference depends on whether you value a slight edge in all situations or need to optimize for a specific scenario.

For single-core performance, the E-2234 leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. In R15 single-core, the E-2234 scores 116 versus 114 for the E-2134, a 1.7% delta. In R20 single-core, it is 486 versus 475, and in R23 single-core, it is 1159 versus 1132. These are small but real gains, making the E-2234 the preferable option for lightly threaded tasks like legacy applications or single-threaded scripting.

For multi-core performance, the E-2234 also leads across the board. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2234 scores 827 versus 808 (2.3% higher). In R20 multi-core, it is 3448 versus 3367, and in R23 multi-core, it is 8210 versus 8018. Again, the delta is consistently around 2.3%, which suggests that the E-2234’s higher boost clock translates directly into sustained multi-threaded throughput. If your workload is multi-threaded and you are choosing between just these two parts, the E-2234 is the data-backed selection.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2234 has an average benchmark score of 2374, while the Intel Xeon E-2134 has an average score of 2319. The E-2234 sits 2.3% higher in the head-to-head R20 and R23 multi-core tests.

Q: Are these two CPUs in the same performance percentile?

A: Yes. Both the E-2134 and E-2234 are in the 48th percentile vs all CPUs, meaning they are statistically similar in overall ranking despite the E-2234’s consistent test wins.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two?

A: The biggest delta appears in the multi-core tests (Cinebench R15, R20, and R23) and the R20 single-core test, where the E-2234 leads by 2.3%. The smallest gap is in R15 single-core, where the E-2234 leads by 1.7%.

Q: How does the E-2134 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The E-2134’s average score of 2319 is effectively tied with the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 (2320, -0.1% delta). It sits 0.5% above the Intel Core i7-8809G and 0.7% above the Core i5-10400H, but trails the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v6 by 1.2%.

Q: How does the E-2234 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The E-2234’s average score of 2374 is 0.4% above the Intel Xeon E-2226GE and 0.6% above the AMD Ryzen 5 2500X. It trails the Intel Core i5-8600T by 0.4% and the Intel Core i5-9600 by 0.8%.

Q: Do both CPUs have the same launch MSRP?

A: No. The E-2134 has a launch MSRP of $256, and the E-2234 has a launch MSRP of $250.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a complete sweep for the E-2234, but the margins are tight. Starting with single-core, the E-2134 scores 114 in Cinebench R15 single-core, while the E-2234 scores 116, a 1.7% advantage. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the gap widens slightly: 475 for the E-2134 versus 486 for the E-2234, a 2.3% delta. The R23 single-core test shows a similar pattern: 1132 versus 1159, again a 2.3% edge for the newer part.

Moving to multi-core, the E-2234 maintains its lead. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2134 posts 808 points, while the E-2234 reaches 827, a 2.3% difference. The R20 multi-core test yields 3367 for the E-2134 and 3448 for the E-2234, also a 2.3% delta. Finally, in R23 multi-core, the E-2134 scores 8018 and the E-2234 scores 8210, rounding out the sweep with another 2.3% lead.

The consistency of the 2.3% delta across multiple tests is notable. It suggests that the E-2234’s higher boost clock (4.80 GHz versus 4.50 GHz) provides a uniform uplift across both single-threaded and multi-threaded Cinebench workloads. There is no test where the older E-2134 closes the gap or overtakes the newer part.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs share most core specifications, but there are a few key differences. The base clock differs: the E-2134 runs at 3.50 GHz, while the E-2234 runs at 3.60 GHz. The boost clock also differs: 4.50 GHz for the E-2134 versus 4.80 GHz for the E-2234. This 300 MHz boost advantage is the most likely driver of the E-2234’s benchmark wins.

The release dates are different. The E-2134 launched on 2018-07-11, and the E-2234 launched on 2019-05-28. The part numbers also differ: SR3WP for the E-2134 and SRFAX for the E-2234. The launch MSRP is slightly lower for the E-2234 at $250 versus $256 for the E-2134.

All other specifications are identical. Both have 4 cores and 8 threads, a 71 TDP, the Intel Socket 1151, and the Coffee Lake-S WS codename. Both use the same 14 nm process node from Intel, have a die size of 126 mm², and share the same cache hierarchy: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory support is also the same: DDR4, dual-channel, 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, and ECC support. Both have PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and integrated UHD Graphics P630. Neither is multiplier unlocked.

Architecture Differences

Architecturally, the E-2134 and E-2234 are essentially the same chip with a clock adjustment. Both belong to the Coffee Lake architecture and the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, built on Intel’s 14 nm process at the same foundry. The generation field lists both as “Xeon E (Coffee Lake),” confirming they are the same design family.

The core and thread counts are identical: 4 cores and 8 threads. Cache sizes are also identical across all levels. The L1 cache is 64 KB per core, L2 is 256 KB per core, and L3 is 8 MB shared. There is no difference in die size, process node, or foundry. Both CPUs support the same memory configuration (DDR4, dual-channel, 42.7 GB/s) and feature the same integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P630).

The only meaningful architectural difference is the clock speed, which is a binning choice rather than a design change. The E-2234’s higher base and boost clocks (3.60/4.80 GHz versus 3.50/4.50 GHz) are the sole differentiator in the architecture. This explains why the benchmark deltas are so consistent: the E-2234 is effectively a higher-clocked version of the same silicon.

The Verdict

The data is clear: choose the Intel Xeon E-2234 if you are selecting between these two parts. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with a consistent 2.3% lead in multi-core and R20 single-core, and a 1.7% lead in R15 single-core. Its average benchmark score of 2374 is higher than the E-2134’s 2319, and it even has a lower launch MSRP ($250 versus $256).

The E-2134 is not without merit, it ties the AMD Ryzen 7 2700 in average score and sits close to several modern Core i5 parts, but in a direct comparison, it is outclassed. The E-2234 also holds its own against its own rivals, sitting within 1% of the Intel Core i5-9600 and Core i5-8600T.

If you are on a strict budget or have an existing system built for the E-2134, the performance difference is small, roughly 2% in most tests, and both CPUs sit in the same 48th percentile vs all CPUs. However, for a new deployment, the E-2234 offers a higher clock speed, better benchmark scores, and a lower launch MSRP. There is no benchmark-based reason to pick the E-2134 over the E-2234. The verdict is straightforward: the E-2234 is the superior processor in this pairing.