CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 and the Intel Xeon E-2286G represent two distinct approaches to server processing, separated by architecture, platform, and design philosophy. The data shows a consistent, if narrow, victory for the older Haswell-EP part across all Cinebench benchmarks, despite the E-2286G’s significantly higher clock speeds and newer process node. This analysis examines the benchmark results, architectural differences, and specification gaps to clarify where each processor excels.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2286G has 6 cores and 12 threads. This gives the E5-2658A v3 a 2x advantage in thread count.

Q: How do their single-core Cinebench R23 scores compare?

A: The E5-2658A v3 scores 1785 in Cinebench R23 single-core, which is 6.4% higher than the E-2286G’s score of 1678. Despite the E-2286G’s higher boost clock, the older chip leads in this test.

Q: What is the difference in their average benchmark scores?

A: The E5-2658A v3 has an average benchmark score of 3658, while the E-2286G averages 3610. This places the E5-2658A v3 at the 56th percentile of all CPUs, one percentile above the E-2286G’s 55th percentile.

Q: Which processor supports more memory channels?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 supports Quad-channel DDR4 memory, whereas the Intel Xeon E-2286G supports Dual-channel DDR4. The E5-2658A v3 also has a higher theoretical memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s for the E-2286G.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 and the Intel Xeon E-2286G support ECC memory, making both suitable for server and workstation environments where data integrity is critical.

Q: Does the E-2286G include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Xeon E-2286G includes HD Graphics P630, while the Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 has no integrated graphics. This is a notable feature difference for systems requiring a display output without a discrete GPU.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gulf between these two Xeon processors is substantial. The E5-2658A v3 is built on the Haswell-EP architecture using a 22 nm process node from Intel, while the E-2286G is based on the newer Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm node. This generational gap influences many physical characteristics. The Haswell chip has a die size of 356 mm² and contains 2,600 million transistors, whereas the Coffee Lake die is significantly smaller at 154 mm², with no transistor count listed in the data.

The core configurations are fundamentally different. The E5-2658A v3 offers 12 cores and 24 threads, while the E-2286G provides 6 cores and 12 threads. This means the Haswell part relies on raw core count, while the Coffee Lake part compensates with much higher clock speeds. The base clock for the E5-2658A v3 is 2.20 GHz, boosting to 2.90 GHz, while the E-2286G starts at 4.00 GHz and boosts to 4.90 GHz. This 2.0 GHz advantage in boost clock is significant for single-threaded responsiveness.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both parts share 64 KB of L1 cache and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. However, the L3 cache configuration is distinct: the E5-2658A v3 has 30 MB of shared L3 cache, while the E-2286G has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger cache on the older chip is likely a benefit for multi-threaded workloads that access shared data sets.

Platform support diverges sharply. The E5-2658A v3 uses the Intel Socket 2011-3, which enables a Quad-channel memory bus and 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only). The E-2286G uses the Intel Socket 1151, which supports a Dual-channel memory bus and only 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only). These platform differences dictate the scalability and expansion capabilities of the respective systems. The E5-2658A v3 also has a higher TDP of 105 watts compared to the E-2286G’s 95 watts, reflecting the larger core count and older process node.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear, albeit consistent, pattern. Across all six Cinebench tests, the Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 emerges as the winner. The margins are tight but uniform, ranging from 6.3% to 6.5%. This consistency suggests a systemic advantage rather than a workload-specific anomaly.

In Cinebench R15, the E5-2658A v3 scores 1274 in multi-core performance against 1198 for the E-2286G, a 6.3% advantage. The single-core results are similar, with the E5-2658A v3 scoring 179 versus 168 for the E-2286G, a 6.5% lead. This is notable because the E-2286G has a much higher boost clock, yet it still trails in single-core performance.

The pattern continues in Cinebench R20. The multi-core score for the E5-2658A v3 is 5311, while the E-2286G scores 4993, a 6.4% difference. In single-core, the scores are 749 and 704, respectively, again a 6.4% margin. The results from Cinebench R23 mirror this exactly: the E5-2658A v3 scores 12647 in multi-core and 1785 in single-core, while the E-2286G scores 11889 and 1678, respectively. All three R23 deltas are 6.4%.

The data shows that the E5-2658A v3 wins 6 benchmarks, with the E-2286G winning none. The average benchmark scores reinforce this, with the E5-2658A v3 posting 3658 against the E-2286G’s 3610. The nearest rivals for each chip provide context: the E5-2658A v3 is 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i9-10885H and 0.4% ahead of the Intel Xeon E5-1681 v3. The E-2286G is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 and 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen 7 2700E.

Specification Differences

The specification sheets reveal stark contrasts between the two processors. The most obvious difference is core count: 12 cores and 24 threads for the E5-2658A v3 versus 6 cores and 12 threads for the E-2286G. This is paired with a dramatic difference in clock speeds. The E-2286G runs at a 4.00 GHz base clock and 4.90 GHz boost clock, while the E5-2658A v3 runs at 2.20 GHz base and 2.90 GHz boost.

Process node and physical dimensions differ significantly. The E5-2658A v3 uses a 22 nm process with a 356 mm² die and 2,600 million transistors. The E-2286G uses a 14 nm process with a 154 mm² die and no listed transistor count. This results in different TDPs: 105 watts for the Haswell part and 95 watts for the Coffee Lake part.

Platform specifications are also distinct. The E5-2658A v3 supports Quad-channel memory with 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth, while the E-2286G supports Dual-channel memory with 42.7 GB/s. The PCIe lane counts differ, with 40 lanes on the E5-2658A v3 and 16 lanes on the E-2286G. Both use DDR4 memory and support ECC.

Cache sizes vary as well. Both have 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the L3 cache is 30 MB shared on the E5-2658A v3 versus 12 MB shared on the E-2286G. Integrated graphics are present only on the E-2286G, which includes HD Graphics P630. The sockets are incompatible: Intel Socket 2011-3 for the E5-2658A v3 and Intel Socket 1151 for the E-2286G.

Additional differences include the release date, with the E-2286G launching on 2019-05-28, while no release date is provided for the E5-2658A v3. The launch MSRP also differs, with the E5-2658A v3 at $1832 and the E-2286G at $450. Both processors are end-of-life and have locked multipliers. Their part numbers are SR27T for the E5-2658A v3 and SRF7C for the E-2286G.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Xeon E5-2658A v3 wins in every benchmark category recorded in this dataset. Its advantage is rooted in the combination of 12 cores and 24 threads, which allows it to sustain higher multi-threaded throughput than the 6-core, 12-thread E-2286G. The 30 MB of shared L3 cache likely helps in workloads that benefit from larger resident data sets. The Quad-channel memory interface and 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth give it a substantial edge in memory-intensive server tasks. For workloads that scale with core count, such as virtualization, database processing, and heavy multi-threaded rendering, the E5-2658A v3 is the superior choice. Its 40 PCIe lanes also enable more expansion options for storage or networking cards.

The Intel Xeon E-2286G, despite losing all head-to-head benchmarks, has its own strengths that are not reflected in the Cinebench scores. Its 4.90 GHz boost clock is far higher than the E5-2658A v3’s 2.90 GHz, which would be advantageous in lightly threaded tasks that are not well-captured by the Cinebench suite. The inclusion of HD Graphics P630 provides an integrated display output, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in basic workstation configurations. The Dual-channel memory interface and lower TDP of 95 watts suggest it can be deployed in more compact or power-conscious systems. The smaller 154 mm² die also indicates a more efficient use of silicon for its intended segment. For single-socket systems with limited expansion needs and a focus on high-frequency, low-latency operations, the E-2286G offers a more modern platform with a newer process node, the Coffee Lake architecture, and a later release date.