CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 and the Intel Xeon E-2278GE represent two very different approaches to server processing, separated by several generations of architecture. The data shows a remarkably consistent, though narrow, victory for the older Haswell-EP part across every single Cinebench test. The E5-2698B v3 wins all six head-to-head benchmarks, with win margins ranging from 1.6% to 1.7%. For instance, in Cinebench R23 multi-core, the E5-2698B v3 scores 13,843 against the E-2278GE's 13,619, a 1.6% lead. This pattern repeats in single-core tests, where the E5-2698B v3 edges out the E-2278GE by 1.6% in Cinebench R15 (196 vs 193) and by 1.7% in Cinebench R23 (1,954 vs 1,922). The consistency of these deltas suggests a fundamental advantage in raw throughput that transcends clock speed differences.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are notable for their uniformity. The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 claims victory in every single test, but the margins are almost too tight to call a decisive win. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E5-2698B v3 scores 1,395 while the E-2278GE trails at 1,372, a 1.7% lead. The single-core R15 test shows a similar 1.6% advantage, with scores of 196 and 193 respectively. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result again favors the E5-2698B v3, 5,814 to 5,719, a 1.7% gap. The single-core R20 scores are 820 and 807, another 1.6% edge for the older chip. Cinebench R23 multi-core tells the same story: 13,843 for the E5-2698B v3 versus 13,619 for the E-2278GE, a 1.6% difference. The single-core R23 result is 1,954 against 1,922, a 1.7% margin. These numbers reveal that despite the E-2278GE's much higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz compared to 3.40 GHz on the E5-2698B v3, the older processor's 16 cores and 32 threads provide enough aggregate work to overcome the clock deficit. The E5-2698B v3's average benchmark score of 4,004 also sits above the E-2278GE's 3,939, and both processors occupy the 57th percentile among all CPUs, indicating they are comparable in overall market position. The E5-2698B v3's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4655G, is only 0.2% behind, while the E-2278GE's closest competitor, the Intel Core i7-6900K, trails by 0.8%.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial. The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 is built on the Haswell-EP architecture using a 22 nm process node, with a die size of 356 mm² and 2,600 million transistors. In contrast, the Intel Xeon E-2278GE uses the Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm process, with a die size of just 180 mm² and no transistor count listed in the data. The core configurations diverge sharply: the E5-2698B v3 offers 16 cores and 32 threads, while the E-2278GE is limited to 8 cores and 16 threads. Cache hierarchies also differ, with the E5-2698B v3 featuring 40 MB of shared L3 cache versus 16 MB on the E-2278GE. Both processors share 64 KB of L1 cache and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. Memory support is another major divergence. The E5-2698B v3 runs DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, delivering 68.3 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The E-2278GE also supports DDR4 but in a dual-channel setup, capping bandwidth at 42.7 GB/s. PCIe lane counts follow the same pattern: the E5-2698B v3 provides Gen 3 with 40 lanes (CPU only), while the E-2278GE offers Gen 3 with just 16 lanes. Integrated graphics are present only on the E-2278GE, which includes UHD Graphics P630; the E5-2698B v3 has no integrated GPU. The E5-2698B v3 uses the Intel Socket 2011-3, while the E-2278GE fits the Intel Socket 1151. Both are end-of-life products, and the E-2278GE had a launch MSRP of $519. The E5-2698B v3's part number is SR21T, and the E-2278GE's is SRGDY.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 wins every workload tested. The multi-core results are particularly telling, as the E5-2698B v3's 16 cores and 32 threads provide a decisive throughput advantage in heavily threaded applications like Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 13,843 versus 13,619 for the E-2278GE. The E5-2698B v3 also takes the single-core tests, but by a narrower margin, suggesting that its lower base clock of 2.00 GHz is more than compensated by the higher core count when rendering or encoding tasks are involved. The E-2278GE, with its 8 cores and 16 threads, cannot match the raw parallel processing power of the older part, despite its boost clock of 4.70 GHz. However, the E-2278GE does offer integrated UHD Graphics P630, which the E5-2698B v3 lacks entirely, making it a more versatile option for systems that need a display output without a discrete GPU. The E-2278GE also runs on a more common Socket 1151 platform, which may offer broader motherboard compatibility for standard ATX builds. The E5-2698B v3's quad-channel memory support and 40 PCIe lanes make it the stronger choice for memory-bandwidth-intensive workloads or systems with multiple expansion cards. The E-2278GE's lower TDP of 80 watts, compared to 135 watts on the E5-2698B v3, suggests it may be easier to cool in compact chassis, though the data does not include cooling performance metrics.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2278GE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of each CPU?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 boosts to 3.40 GHz, and the Intel Xeon E-2278GE boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Q: Which CPU has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 has 40 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Xeon E-2278GE has 16 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Xeon E-2278GE includes UHD Graphics P630, but the Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 has no integrated graphics.

Q: How do the memory channels differ between the two?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel Xeon E-2278GE supports dual-channel DDR4 with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 wins with a score of 13,843, compared to 13,619 for the Intel Xeon E-2278GE, a 1.6% difference.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points decisively to the Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 for users who prioritize raw compute performance. It wins all six Cinebench tests, and its 16-core/32-thread configuration gives it a clear edge in multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, and server-side processing. The E5-2698B v3 also offers quad-channel memory and 40 PCIe lanes, making it the superior choice for memory-hungry applications or systems requiring extensive I/O expansion. However, the Intel Xeon E-2278GE is not without merit. Its integrated UHD Graphics P630 provides a display output without needing a discrete GPU, which is a practical advantage for basic server or workstation setups. Its dual-channel memory and 16 PCIe lanes are sufficient for lighter workloads. The E-2278GE also has a higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz, which helps close the gap in single-threaded tasks, though it still loses those benchmarks. The choice comes down to workload type: choose the E5-2698B v3 for maximum core count and memory bandwidth, or the E-2278GE for a more compact, integrated solution. Both CPUs sit at the 57th percentile among all CPUs, but the E5-2698B v3's higher average benchmark score of 4,004 versus 3,939 confirms its overall performance advantage.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E5-2698B v3 | Intel Xeon E-2278GE |

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

| Series | None | Xeon E-2200 series |

| Cores | 16 | 8 |

| Threads | 32 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.00 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.40 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 135 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Coffee Lake |

| Codename | Haswell-EP | Coffee Lake-S WS |

| Generation | Xeon E5 (Haswell-EP) | Xeon E (Coffee Lake) |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 14 nm |

| Transistors | 2,600 million | None listed |

| Die Size | 356 mm² | 180 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 40 MB (shared) | 16 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 68.3 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 40 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | UHD Graphics P630 |

| Part Number | SR21T | SRGDY |

| Launch MSRP | None listed | $519 |