CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon E-2186G
Xeon E-2246G
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Xeon E-2186G vs Intel Xeon E-2246G
FAQ
Q: How do the two Xeon processors compare in average benchmark score?
A: The Intel Xeon E-2246G posts an average benchmark score of 3492, while the Intel Xeon E-2186G scores 3462. The E-2246G sits at the 55th percentile of all CPUs, and the E-2186G sits at the 54th percentile.
Q: Which processor wins the most head-to-head benchmarks?
A: The Intel Xeon E-2246G wins 7 of the 8 head-to-head tests, including all four Cinebench runs and Geekbench single-core. The Intel Xeon E-2186G wins only one test: Geekbench multi-core.
Q: What is the difference in single-core performance?
A: The E-2246G leads in every single-core benchmark. In Cinebench R23 single-core it scores 1654 versus 1622 for the E-2186G, a 2% advantage. The largest single-core gap appears in Geekbench, where the E-2246G leads 1613 to 1550, a 4.1% margin.
Q: Does the E-2186G have any multi-core advantage?
A: Yes, in Geekbench multi-core the E-2186G scores 6204 versus 5988 for the E-2246G, a 3.5% lead. However, the E-2246G wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests (R15, R20, R23), with a 2% margin in each.
Q: Are the two processors built on the same architecture and process node?
A: Yes. Both use the Coffee Lake architecture with the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, are built on Intel's 14 nm process, and share the same 154 mm² die size. Both are part of the Xeon E (Coffee Lake) generation.
Q: What are the launch MSRP values for these chips?
A: The Intel Xeon E-2246G had a launch MSRP of $311, while the Intel Xeon E-2186G had a launch MSRP of $506.
Architecture Differences
Both processors are built on Intel's Coffee Lake architecture with the Coffee Lake-S WS codename, but they belong to different series within the Xeon E family. The E-2246G comes from the Xeon E-2200 series, while the E-2186G comes from the Xeon E-2100 series. This generational split explains several specification differences despite identical core configurations.
Both chips feature 6 cores and 12 threads, with a 12 MB shared L3 cache, 256 KB L2 cache per core, and 64 KB L1 cache per core. The process node is identical at 14 nm, produced by Intel's own foundry, with the same 154 mm² die size. Memory support is also the same: DDR4 with dual-channel bus and 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, plus ECC support.
The key architectural difference lies in clock behavior. The E-2246G has a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The E-2186G starts with a higher base clock of 3.80 GHz but tops out at a lower boost clock of 4.70 GHz. This means the older chip idles and runs at higher sustained clocks, while the newer chip has a higher peak turbo ceiling.
Thermal design power differs as well: the E-2246G is rated at 80 W TDP, while the E-2186G draws 95 W TDP. Both processors use the Intel Socket 1151, feature Gen 3 PCIe with 16 lanes from the CPU, and integrate HD Graphics P630. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported on either part.
The E-2246G launched on 2019-05-28, roughly a year after the E-2186G's 2018-05-30 debut. Both are end-of-life products. The part numbers differ (SRF7G for the E-2246G, SR3WR for the E-2186G), and the launch MSRP differs substantially: $311 versus $506.
Where Each One Wins
The Intel Xeon E-2246G is the clear winner in single-threaded workloads. Its 4.80 GHz boost clock translates into a 4.1% Geekbench single-core victory and consistent 1.8–2% leads across all three Cinebench single-core tests. For workloads that depend on peak turbo frequency, such as light-threaded database queries, single-threaded scripting, or older legacy applications, the E-2246G is the stronger choice.
In multi-threaded rendering, the E-2246G also takes the lead in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, each by a 2% margin. Its 80 W TDP means it achieves these results with lower power draw than the E-2186G, which could matter in dense server chassis or power-constrained environments.
The Intel Xeon E-2186G has one standout win: Geekbench multi-core, where it beats the E-2246G by 3.5% (6204 versus 5988). This suggests that its higher 3.80 GHz base clock provides an advantage in workloads that sustain heavy multi-threaded loads without hitting the turbo ceiling. For consistently parallel workloads that run for extended periods, the E-2186G's base clock advantage can keep performance higher when all cores are active.
The E-2186G also has the higher TDP at 95 W, which historically allows sustained multi-core performance without thermal throttling in well-ventilated systems. However, the benchmark data shows this only translates to a win in one of four multi-core tests.
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2246G | Intel Xeon E-2186G |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Xeon E-2200 series | Xeon E-2100 series |
| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.80 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.70 GHz |
| TDP | 80 W | 95 W |
| Release Date | 2019-05-28 | 2018-05-30 |
| Launch MSRP | $311 | $506 |
| Part Number | SRF7G | SR3WR |
| Production Status | End-of-life | End-of-life |
All other specifications are identical: 6 cores, 12 threads, 14 nm process, 154 mm² die size, 12 MB shared L3 cache, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, DDR4 dual-channel memory with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, ECC support, Gen 3 PCIe with 16 CPU lanes, HD Graphics P630, Intel Socket 1151, and a locked multiplier.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The benchmark data reveals a clear pattern: the E-2246G wins nearly every test, but the margins are modest. The largest victory for the E-2246G comes in Geekbench single-core, where it scores 1613 against 1550 for the E-2186G, a 4.1% advantage. This is the biggest single-core gap in the entire comparison and reflects the 100 MHz boost clock advantage the E-2246G holds.
In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the E-2246G scores 11720 versus 11492, a 2% lead. The same 2% margin appears in Cinebench R15 multi-core (1181 versus 1158) and Cinebench R20 multi-core (4922 versus 4826). Single-core Cinebench results follow the same pattern: R15 shows 166 versus 163 (1.8%), R20 shows 694 versus 681 (1.9%), and R23 shows 1654 versus 1622 (2%).
The one reversal is Geekbench multi-core, where the E-2186G scores 6204 against 5988 for the E-2246G, a 3.5% swing. This is the only test where the higher base clock of the E-2186G appears to pay off, and notably it is the only benchmark in the dataset that is not a Cinebench render test. The Geekbench workload mix may favor sustained multi-threaded performance over peak turbo behavior.
Overall, the E-2246G wins 7 out of 8 head-to-head tests. Its average benchmark score of 3492 edges the E-2186G's 3462 by a small margin, and its nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5-1680 v4 (3494, 0% delta) and Intel Core i9-9900T (3499, -0.2% delta). The E-2186G's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-9700F (3464, 0% delta) and AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7730U (3456, 0.2% delta).
The data shows that the E-2246G is the better performer in almost every scenario, with the E-2186G retaining a narrow niche in Geekbench-style multi-threaded workloads. The E-2246G achieves this while carrying a lower TDP and a significantly lower launch MSRP, making it the more compelling part on paper. That said, both chips are end-of-life, so availability and platform support should be considered in any real-world decision.