Intel Xeon E-2146G vs Intel Xeon E-2186G Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data presents a clear split between these two Coffee Lake Xeon processors. The Intel Xeon E-2186G wins seven of eight head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with every Cinebench test (R15, R20, and R23, both single-core and multi-core) landing in its favor. The Intel Xeon E-2146G secures only a single victory, in Geekbench multi-core, where it posts a score of 6283 against the E-2186G’s 6204, a 1.3% advantage. For users whose workloads align with Cinebench-style rendering or general single-threaded responsiveness, the E-2186G is the stronger selection based on the measurements. For those whose applications resemble Geekbench multi-core patterns, the E-2146G offers a modest edge. The E-2186G carries a launch MSRP of $506, while the E-2146G has a launch MSRP of $317. Both processors occupy the 54th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating statistically similar overall standing despite the E-2186G’s higher average benchmark score of 3462 versus 3410.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to the Intel Xeon E-2100 series and share the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, the Coffee Lake architecture, and a 14 nm process node from Intel. Each chip has 6 cores and 12 threads, with a die size of 154 mm². The cache hierarchy is identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. Memory support is the same as well, with DDR4, a dual-channel bus, 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, and ECC memory capability. Both use Intel Socket 1151, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, and integrate HD Graphics P630. The production status is end-of-life for both, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The meaningful architectural separation lies in clock speeds and power envelope. The E-2186G has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, while the E-2146G runs at 3.50 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost. The thermal design power differs, with the E-2186G rated at 95 W and the E-2146G at 80 W. This 0.30 GHz advantage in both base and boost clocks for the E-2186G explains the consistent Cinebench leads, while the E-2146G’s lower TDP suggests a more power-conscious configuration for the same core and cache layout. The release dates differ, with the E-2186G appearing on May 30, 2018, and the E-2146G on July 11, 2018. Part numbers also distinguish them: SR3WR for the E-2186G and SR3WT for the E-2146G.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins most of the benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2186G wins seven of eight head-to-head tests. It leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 for both single-core and multi-core, plus Geekbench single-core. The Intel Xeon E-2146G wins only Geekbench multi-core.

Q: How large is the E-2186G’s advantage in Cinebench tests?

A: In every Cinebench test, the E-2186G leads by 2.5% or 2.6%. For example, R23 multi-core scores 11492 versus 11214, and R20 single-core scores 681 versus 664.

Q: Does the E-2146G win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the E-2146G wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 6283 against 6204, a 1.3% margin. It also posts a higher Geekbench single-core score relative to its own multi-core result, though the E-2186G still wins that test 1550 to 1540.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The E-2186G has an average benchmark score of 3462, while the E-2146G averages 3410. The E-2186G’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-9700F, has an average score of 3464 with a delta of 0%. The E-2146G matches the Intel Xeon E-2236 at 3410 with a 0% delta.

Q: Are the architectural specifications identical?

A: Yes, for the most part. Both have 6 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB shared L3, DDR4 dual-channel memory with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, ECC support, and Intel Socket 1151. They differ in clock speeds (3.80/4.70 GHz versus 3.50/4.50 GHz) and TDP (95 W versus 80 W).

Q: What do the percentiles indicate about these CPUs?

A: Both processors sit at the 54th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning their overall performance ranking is identical despite the E-2186G’s higher average score.

Specification Differences

The two Xeon processors differ in several recorded fields. The base clock is 3.80 GHz for the E-2186G and 3.50 GHz for the E-2146G. The boost clock is 4.70 GHz versus 4.50 GHz. The TDP is 95 W for the E-2186G and 80 W for the E-2146G. The launch MSRP is $506 for the E-2186G and $317 for the E-2146G (stated once here per database policy). The release date is May 30, 2018 for the E-2186G and July 11, 2018 for the E-2146G. The part numbers are SR3WR and SR3WT, respectively. The average benchmark scores are 3462 and 3410. The nearest rival lists also differ: the E-2186G’s closest competitor is the Intel Core i7-9700F at 3464 (0% delta), followed by the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7730U at 3456 (0.2%), the AMD Ryzen 5 5600HS at 3447 (0.4%), and the Intel Core i7-10870H at 3446 (0.5%). The E-2146G’s nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E-2236 at 3410 (0% delta), then the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I at 3406 (0.1%), the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7530U at 3394 (0.5%), and the Intel Core i7-10875H at 3432 (-0.6% delta, meaning that rival is slightly faster). All other fields, including cores, threads, cache, memory support, socket, integrated graphics, process node, and foundry, are identical.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows a uniform pattern. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2186G scores 1158 against the E-2146G’s 1130, a 2.5% lead. In R15 single-core, the scores are 163 and 159, again a 2.5% margin. Cinebench R20 multi-core sees 4826 versus 4709, a 2.5% difference, while R20 single-core is 681 versus 664, a 2.6% edge. Cinebench R23 multi-core produces 11492 versus 11214, a 2.5% lead, and R23 single-core is 1622 versus 1583, also 2.5%. These results are consistent across every Cinebench iteration, suggesting the higher clock speeds of the E-2186G translate directly into proportional gains in both single-threaded and multi-threaded rendering workloads.

The Geekbench results break the pattern. In Geekbench single-core, the E-2186G wins narrowly with 1550 versus 1540, a 0.6% margin. In Geekbench multi-core, the E-2146G overtakes the E-2186G with 6283 versus 6204, a 1.3% advantage. This is the only test where the lower-clocked processor prevails, and the margin is larger than any single-core delta between the two. The direction of the Geekbench multi-core result is notable because it contradicts the Cinebench multi-core trend, where the E-2186G consistently leads by 2.5%. The data indicates that Geekbench’s multi-core workload favors something other than raw clock speed, possibly memory access patterns or scheduler behavior, though the database does not provide further detail on the cause.

The overall win tally is 7 for the E-2186G and 1 for the E-2146G. The average benchmark score reflects this dominance, with the E-2186G at 3462 and the E-2146G at 3410, a difference of 52 points or roughly 1.5%. For context, the E-2186G’s nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-9700F, scores 3464, just 2 points higher, while the E-2146G’s nearest rival, the Intel Xeon E-2236, matches it exactly at 3410.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E-2186G wins in every Cinebench category, both single-core and multi-core, across R15, R20, and R23. This makes it the preferred choice for rendering workloads that scale with sustained clock speed, such as 3D scene rendering, video encoding, and any application that relies on Cinebench-like CPU stress patterns. Its Geekbench single-core win (1550 versus 1540) further supports its case for lightly threaded tasks like application startup, spreadsheet calculations, or single-threaded scripting. The E-2186G’s 0.30 GHz boost clock advantage appears to be the decisive factor in these wins, and its higher TDP of 95 W suggests the silicon is allowed to draw more power to sustain those clocks.

The Intel Xeon E-2146G wins only Geekbench multi-core, with a 1.3% margin (6283 versus 6204). This is a meaningful result for workloads that resemble Geekbench’s multi-core profile, which often includes a mix of integer, floating-point, and memory-intensive tasks. If a server or workstation workload is dominated by such patterns, the E-2146G could deliver slightly better throughput despite its lower clock speeds. The E-2146G also has a lower TDP of 80 W, which may make it easier to cool in dense chassis configurations, though the database does not provide thermal performance measurements beyond the TDP rating. For users prioritizing Cinebench-style rendering and single-threaded responsiveness, the E-2186G is the clear winner. For those whose primary benchmark is Geekbench multi-core, the E-2146G offers a small but real advantage. Both CPUs sit at the same 54th percentile overall, so the choice ultimately depends on which benchmark family best represents the target workload.