Intel Xeon E-2236 vs Intel Xeon E-2246G Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data shows a remarkably consistent pattern across all six Cinebench tests: the Intel Xeon E-2236 wins every single head-to-head comparison, but by a razor-thin margin. The largest advantage appears in Cinebench R15 multicore, where the E-2236 scores 1188 against the E-2246G's 1181, a 0.6% delta. The same 0.6% delta repeats in Cinebench R15 singlecore (167 vs 166), Cinebench R20 multicore (4952 vs 4922), Cinebench R20 singlecore (698 vs 694), Cinebench R23 multicore (11792 vs 11720), and Cinebench R23 singlecore (1664 vs 1654). The database records 6 wins for the E-2236 and 0 for the E-2246G in direct comparisons.

The consistency of the 0.6% delta across every test is noteworthy. It suggests the performance gap is not workload-dependent but rather a fixed characteristic of the two processors. The E-2236's advantage holds equally in single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, which points to a fundamental clock or architectural difference rather than a cache or core-count effect. The E-2246G, despite having a higher base clock, never manages to flip a single result. Its best showing is in Cinebench R23 multicore, where it trails by 72 points (11792 vs 11720), while its narrowest deficit is the 1-point difference in Cinebench R15 singlecore (167 vs 166).

Looking at the broader database context, the two CPUs occupy nearly the same percentile tier. The E-2236 sits at the 54th percentile of all CPUs, while the E-2246G sits at the 55th percentile. The E-2246G's average benchmark score of 3492 is higher than the E-2236's 3410, which reflects the fact that the E-2246G has additional Geekbench scores (5988 multicore, 1613 singlecore) in its record that the E-2236 does not have. Those Geekbench results are not part of the head-to-head comparison, but they influence the aggregate averages. The nearest rivals for the E-2236 include the Intel Xeon E-2146G at an identical 3410 average score (0% delta), the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I at 3406 (0.1% behind), and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7530U at 3394 (0.5% behind). For the E-2246G, the closest competitor is the Intel Xeon E5-1680 v4 at 3494 (0% delta), with the Intel Core i9-9900T at 3499 (-0.2% delta) and the Intel Xeon D-1732TE at 3486 (0.2% delta) close behind.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture. They are built on the Coffee Lake-S WS microarchitecture, use the 14 nm process node, and come from Intel's Xeon E-2200 series. Each has 6 cores and 12 threads, with identical cache configurations: 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The die size is 154 mm² for both, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The key architectural difference lies in the integrated graphics. The E-2236 features UHD Graphics P630, while the E-2246G uses HD Graphics P630. This is a meaningful distinction for buyers who plan to use the integrated GPU, though both are classified as server/workstation parts where discrete graphics are common. The base clock also differs: the E-2236 runs at 3.40 GHz, while the E-2246G runs at 3.60 GHz. The boost clock is identical at 4.80 GHz for both. The higher base clock on the E-2246G does not translate into benchmark wins, which suggests the boost behavior or thermal headroom favors the E-2236 in sustained workloads.

Other specifications are identical. Both support DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 42.7 GB/s of bandwidth, both support ECC memory, and both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The socket is Intel Socket 1151 for both, and both are marked as end-of-life with a release date of 2019-05-28. The part number SRF7G is shared between the two, indicating they are closely related silicon. The launch MSRP differs, with the E-2236 listed at $284 and the E-2246G at $311, but that pricing information is provided for reference only and does not factor into performance analysis.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmark tests?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2236 wins all 6 recorded head-to-head Cinebench tests. The E-2246G wins none. The margins are consistently 0.6% across every test.

Q: Are the two processors identical in core count and cache?

A: Yes. Both have 6 cores, 12 threads, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3 cache. The die size is 154 mm² for both.

Q: What is the main difference in integrated graphics?

A: The E-2236 uses UHD Graphics P630, while the E-2246G uses HD Graphics P630. This is the only feature difference beyond the base clock and the MSRP.

Q: How do the base clocks compare?

A: The E-2246G has a higher base clock at 3.60 GHz, while the E-2236 runs at 3.40 GHz. Both share the same 4.80 GHz boost clock.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The E-2246G has an average benchmark score of 3492, compared to 3410 for the E-2236. This is partly due to the E-2246G having additional Geekbench scores in its record.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both support ECC memory. They also share the same DDR4 dual-channel memory bus with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E-2236 | Intel Xeon E-2246G |

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

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

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

| Launch MSRP | $284 | $311 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 3410 | 3492 |

| Percentile (All CPUs) | 54 | 55 |

| Geekbench Multicore | Not recorded | 5988 |

| Geekbench Singlecore | Not recorded | 1613 |

All other specifications are identical: 6 cores, 12 threads, 4.80 GHz boost clock, 80 W 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, DDR4 dual-channel memory, 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, ECC support, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, and release date of 2019-05-28. Both are end-of-life products from the Xeon E-2200 series.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear but narrow picture. The Intel Xeon E-2236 is the superior performer in every recorded Cinebench test, winning all 6 head-to-head comparisons with a consistent 0.6% margin. The E-2246G never manages to outperform its sibling in any of the six tests, despite having a higher base clock of 3.60 GHz versus 3.40 GHz. This suggests the E-2236's boost behavior or some other factor compensates for the lower base clock, resulting in a small but repeatable advantage.

For workloads measured by Cinebench, the E-2236 is the pick. The margins are small, but they are uniform across single-core and multi-core tests, meaning the E-2236 delivers a slightly better result regardless of the workload type. The E-2246G does have a higher average benchmark score (3492 vs 3410) and a higher percentile rank (55 vs 54), but those figures are inflated by the presence of Geekbench scores in the E-2246G's record that are absent from the E-2236's record. In direct head-to-head testing, the E-2236 wins every time.

The integrated graphics difference may matter for certain use cases. The E-2236's UHD Graphics P630 is a newer designation than the E-2246G's HD Graphics P630, though both are integrated GPUs on the same architecture. For buyers who plan to run without a discrete GPU, the E-2236 offers the more modern integrated graphics option. For buyers who will use a discrete GPU, the graphics difference is irrelevant.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E-2236 wins in every benchmark category recorded: single-core Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, plus multi-core Cinebench R15, R20, and R23. The 0.6% delta is consistent across all six tests, meaning the E-2236 provides a uniform, if modest, performance advantage in CPU-bound rendering and compute workloads. Its UHD Graphics P630 also gives it a slight edge for integrated-graphics scenarios, though the database does not include graphics benchmarks to quantify this.

The Intel Xeon E-2246G wins in the aggregate metrics. Its average benchmark score of 3492 is 82 points higher than the E-2236's 3410, and its 55th percentile rank is one point higher. It also holds the higher base clock at 3.60 GHz, which could benefit workloads that run at sustained base frequencies without boosting. The Geekbench scores recorded for the E-2246G (5988 multicore, 1613 singlecore) are not present for the E-2236, so those who rely on Geekbench as a reference will find the E-2246G better represented in that specific metric.

For practical purposes, the choice comes down to whether the user prioritizes the direct Cinebench results or the broader database averages. The data shows the E-2236 as the winner in every head-to-head comparison, making it the default recommendation for users who value those specific benchmark outcomes. The E-2246G remains a viable alternative for those who want the higher base clock and the additional Geekbench data points, accepting a 0.6% deficit in Cinebench tests. Both chips share the same core architecture, cache layout, memory support, and socket, so platform compatibility is identical.