Intel Xeon E-2146G vs Intel Xeon E-2176G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Xeon E-2176G across all eight benchmark comparisons. The largest margins appear in the Cinebench suite, where the E-2176G leads by a consistent 3.2% to 3.3% in multi-core and single-core tests alike. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2176G scores 1168 against 1130 for the E-2146G, a delta of -3.3% from the perspective of the E-2146G. The single-core R15 result is 164 versus 159, a 3% gap.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the E-2176G posts 4867 multi-core and 687 single-core, while the E-2146G manages 4709 and 664 respectively. Those deltas sit at -3.2% and -3.3%. Cinebench R23 repeats the pattern: the E-2176G reaches 11589 multi-core and 1636 single-core, compared to 11214 and 1583 for the E-2146G, again a -3.2% difference in both cases.

The Geekbench results narrow the margin somewhat. In Geekbench multi-core, the E-2176G scores 6331 versus 6283, a delta of only -0.8%. Single-core Geekbench shows 1573 against 1540, a 2.1% gap. So while the Cinebench workloads favor the E-2176G by a steady 3%, the Geekbench multi-core test is nearly a tie, suggesting the performance difference is not uniform across all application types.

The average benchmark score reinforces this hierarchy. The E-2176G carries an average score of 3502, while the E-2146G sits at 3410. That places the E-2176G at the 55th percentile of all CPUs in the database, one point ahead of the E-2146G at the 54th percentile. The nearest rivals for the E-2176G include the Intel Core i9-9900T at 3499 (0.1% behind) and the AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT at 3515 (0.4% ahead). For the E-2146G, the closest competitor is the Intel Xeon E-2236 at the same 3410 average, with the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7530U just 0.5% lower.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU wins in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2176G wins every multi-core benchmark in the database. The margins are 3.3% in Cinebench R15, 3.2% in R20, 3.2% in R23, and 0.8% in Geekbench multi-core.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the E-2146G comes out ahead?

A: No. The recorded data shows zero wins for the E-2146G across all eight head-to-head comparisons. The E-2176G wins all eight.

Q: How close are these two CPUs in single-core performance?

A: The E-2176G leads by 3% in Cinebench R15 single-core, 3.3% in R20 single-core, 3.2% in R23 single-core, and 2.1% in Geekbench single-core. The gaps are consistent but modest.

Q: What do the percentile rankings tell us?

A: The E-2176G sits at the 55th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the E-2146G is at the 54th. The average benchmark score difference is 3502 versus 3410, a gap of 92 points.

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the E-2146G and E-2176G support ECC memory. Both also use dual-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s.

Q: Are these chips still in production?

A: No. Both are marked as end-of-life in the database. They were released on the same date, 2018-07-11.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture. They are built on Intel's 14 nm process node, use the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, and feature the same 154 mm² die size. The architecture is Coffee Lake, part of the Xeon E-2100 series, and both use the Intel Socket 1151.

The core configuration is identical: 6 cores and 12 threads on both chips. Cache hierarchies match exactly, with 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both support DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, and both include ECC support. The PCIe interface is the same: Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are also identical, with HD Graphics P630 on both.

The differences are limited to clock speeds and the resulting performance. The E-2176G has a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, while the E-2146G runs at 3.50 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost. Both have a TDP of 80 watts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers differ: SR3WS for the E-2176G and SR3WT for the E-2146G.

Since the silicon, cache, memory controller, and feature set are otherwise identical, the performance delta can be attributed almost entirely to the higher clock speeds of the E-2176G. The benchmark results align with this: the E-2176G's advantage is roughly proportional to its clock frequency advantage across the two chips.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward conclusion: the Intel Xeon E-2176G is the stronger processor in every measured workload. It wins all eight head-to-head benchmarks, carries a higher average score (3502 versus 3410), and sits one percentile point higher in the database rankings. If the choice is purely about peak performance, the E-2176G is the pick.

The E-2146G is not without merit, but its advantages are not performance-related. Both chips share the same core count, cache, memory support, and feature set. The E-2146G's lower clock speeds mean it trails by roughly 3% in most tests. That is a small but consistent gap.

For builders who prioritize maximum throughput in Cinebench-class workloads, the E-2176G is clearly the better option. For those who need a 6-core, 12-thread Xeon with ECC support and are willing to accept slightly lower scores, the E-2146G remains a functional choice, but the database shows no scenario where it outperforms its sibling.

Neither chip offers headroom for overclocking, as both have locked multipliers. Both are end-of-life products, so availability will depend on existing stock or the used market. The launch MSRP for the E-2176G is $367, while the E-2146G launched at $317.

Specification Differences

The only specification fields that differ between the two processors are clock speeds and part number. The E-2176G has a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, compared to the E-2146G's 3.50 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost. The part number for the E-2176G is SR3WS, while the E-2146G uses SR3WT.

All other specifications are identical: 6 cores, 12 threads, 80 watt TDP, Intel Socket 1151, Coffee Lake architecture, 14 nm process, 154 mm² die size, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 12 MB shared L3, dual-channel DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, ECC support, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, HD Graphics P630, and an end-of-life production status with the same release date.

Where Each One Wins

The E-2176G wins in every benchmark category recorded. It is faster in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 for both multi-core and single-core tests, and it is faster in Geekbench for both multi-core and single-core. The margins range from 0.8% (Geekbench multi-core) to 3.3% (Cinebench R15 multi-core and R20 single-core).

The E-2146G does not win any head-to-head comparison. However, its position as a lower-clocked variant means it may be preferred in scenarios where clock speed is less critical, or where the lower launch MSRP matters. The database records its average score at 3410, which ties it with the Intel Xeon E-2236 and puts it 0.1% ahead of the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I. That places it as a capable 6-core workstation part, but within this direct comparison, the E-2176G is the superior choice for every workload measured.

For multi-threaded rendering, video encoding, or any sustained compute load, the E-2176G's consistent 3.2% to 3.3% advantage in Cinebench makes it the better fit. For lightly threaded tasks, the single-core margins of 2.1% to 3.3% still favor the E-2176G. The only area where the E-2146G comes close is Geekbench multi-core, where the 0.8% gap is nearly negligible. Still, the verdict from the recorded data is unambiguous: the E-2176G is the faster processor in all eight tests.