CPU Comparison

The Intel Xeon E-2286G and Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 represent two very different approaches to server processing, separated by several generations of Intel architecture. The E-2286G is a modern 6-core Coffee Lake part designed for high clock speeds, while the E5-2678 v3 is a 12-core Haswell-EP chip built for parallel throughput. The benchmark data shows a remarkably close overall contest, with the E5-2678 v3 taking every single head-to-head win, but the E-2286G matching it on average score. This makes the choice between them entirely dependent on the specific workload, as the numbers reveal distinct strengths and weaknesses for each.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The E5-2678 v3 wins all six direct comparisons in the head-to-head benchmark suite, but the margins are consistently narrow. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the E5-2678 v3 scores 1257 against the E-2286G’s 1198, a 4.7% advantage. The single-core test in R15 shows the same pattern: 177 versus 168, a 5.1% delta. This is surprising given the E-2286G’s much higher clock speeds, but the data is clear.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the results mirror the R15 pattern almost exactly. The E5-2678 v3 posts 5239 in multicore versus 4993 for the E-2286G, again a 4.7% difference. In R20 single-core, the E5-2678 v3 scores 739 against 704, another 4.7% gap. The consistency of these deltas across different Cinebench versions suggests a fundamental architectural advantage for the older Haswell chip in these specific workloads.

Cinebench R23 continues the trend. The E5-2678 v3 achieves 12474 in multicore, while the E-2286G reaches 11889, a 4.7% deficit. In single-core R23, the E5-2678 v3 scores 1761 versus 1678, once again a 4.7% gap. With six wins and zero losses, the E5-2678 v3 is the clear benchmark victor, but the narrow margins mean the E-2286G is never far behind.

The overall average benchmark scores tell a different story. The E-2286G has an average score of 3610, while the E5-2678 v3 sits at 3608. The delta between them is a mere 0.1%. This near-perfect tie, combined with the head-to-head sweep, indicates that the E5-2678 v3 wins the Cinebench suite specifically, but the E-2286G compensates in Geekbench, where it scores 6651 multicore and 1598 single-core. The E5-2678 v3 has no Geekbench entries in the data, so the E-2286G’s overall standing is buoyed by those results.

Where Each One Wins

The E5-2678 v3 wins every Cinebench test, making it the better choice for rendering workloads that scale with core count. Its 12 cores and 24 threads provide a substantial parallel advantage over the E-2286G’s 6 cores and 12 threads. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the E5-2678 v3’s 12474 score is 585 points higher than the E-2286G’s 11889, a meaningful difference for long rendering jobs. The consistency of the 4.7% margin across all three Cinebench versions suggests that the E5-2678 v3 handles sustained multi-threaded loads slightly better.

The E-2286G’s wins are not in the head-to-head table but in the broader benchmark picture. Its Geekbench scores of 6651 multicore and 1598 single-core are the only non-Cinebench data points available, and they are strong enough to pull its average score to parity with the E5-2678 v3. The E-2286G also features integrated graphics in the form of HD Graphics P630, which the E5-2678 v3 lacks entirely. For systems that need a display output without a discrete GPU, the E-2286G is the only viable option between the two.

For single-threaded performance, the E-2286G’s 4.90 GHz boost clock should theoretically dominate, but the data shows the E5-2678 v3 winning every single-core Cinebench test. The E5-2678 v3’s 177 R15 single-core score versus 168 for the E-2286G is a 5.1% lead, which is the largest margin in the entire head-to-head set. This indicates that the older Haswell architecture handles these specific single-threaded tasks better despite its lower 3.30 GHz boost clock.

Architecture Differences

The E-2286G is built on Coffee Lake-S WS, a 14 nm process from Intel, with a die size of 154 mm². The E5-2678 v3 uses the older Haswell-EP architecture on a 22 nm process, with a much larger 356 mm² die and 2,600 million transistors. The process node difference is significant: 14 nm versus 22 nm, giving the newer chip a density and efficiency advantage in theory, though the benchmark data does not always reflect this.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The E-2286G has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The E5-2678 v3 also has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, but its L3 cache is 30 MB shared, more than double the E-2286G’s allocation. This larger pool of L3 cache likely helps the E5-2678 v3 in the Cinebench workloads, where data reuse across cores is common.

Memory support is another key architectural split. The E-2286G supports DDR4 only, over a dual-channel bus, with 42.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The E5-2678 v3 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, over a quad-channel bus, with 68.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The E5-2678 v3’s quad-channel memory interface and higher bandwidth give it a clear advantage in memory-intensive tasks, which may explain its consistent Cinebench wins.

PCIe lanes also differ. The E-2286G provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, while the E5-2678 v3 offers 40 lanes. This makes the E5-2678 v3 better suited for systems with many expansion cards, GPUs, or NVMe drives. The E-2286G’s 16 lanes are sufficient for a single GPU and basic storage but limit expansion options.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are the most obvious difference: the E-2286G has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the E5-2678 v3 has 12 cores and 24 threads. Clock speeds go the other way, with the E-2286G at 4.00 GHz base and 4.90 GHz boost, versus 2.50 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost for the E5-2678 v3. Thermal design power is also different: 95 W for the E-2286G and 120 W for the E5-2678 v3.

The sockets are incompatible. The E-2286G uses Intel Socket 1151, while the E5-2678 v3 uses Intel Socket 2011-3. This means the choice of CPU dictates the motherboard platform entirely. The E-2286G’s launch MSRP was $450; the E5-2678 v3 has no launch MSRP listed.

Cache totals differ: 12 MB shared L3 for the E-2286G versus 30 MB shared L3 for the E5-2678 v3. Memory bus width differs from dual-channel to quad-channel, and memory bandwidth goes from 42.7 GB/s to 68.3 GB/s. The E-2286G has integrated HD Graphics P630, while the E5-2678 v3 has none. The E-2286G also has a smaller die at 154 mm² versus 356 mm², and the E5-2678 v3 lists 2,600 million transistors while the E-2286G’s transistor count is not provided.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU wins the most benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 wins all 6 head-to-head benchmarks, including every Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 test, with margins ranging from 4.7% to 5.1%.

Q: Are these two CPUs close in overall performance?

A: Yes, the average benchmark scores are nearly identical: 3610 for the E-2286G and 3608 for the E5-2678 v3, a difference of only 0.1%.

Q: Does the E-2286G have any advantage in the benchmark data?

A: The E-2286G has Geekbench scores of 6651 multicore and 1598 single-core, which are not present for the E5-2678 v3. These results contribute to its average score matching the E5-2678 v3.

Q: What is the core count difference?

A: The E5-2678 v3 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the E-2286G has 6 cores and 12 threads, exactly half the parallel capacity.

Q: Which CPU has higher clock speeds?

A: The E-2286G runs at 4.00 GHz base and 4.90 GHz boost, compared to 2.50 GHz base and 3.30 GHz boost for the E5-2678 v3.

Q: Can these CPUs be used on the same motherboard?

A: No, the E-2286G uses Socket 1151, while the E5-2678 v3 uses Socket 2011-3, which are physically incompatible.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 wins every head-to-head comparison, including all six Cinebench tests. For anyone building a system for multi-threaded rendering or heavy parallel workloads, the E5-2678 v3 with its 12 cores, 24 threads, and 30 MB of L3 cache is the stronger choice. Its quad-channel memory with 68.3 GB/s bandwidth and 40 PCIe lanes also make it more suitable for workstation builds with multiple expansion cards or high-bandwidth storage arrays.

The E-2286G is not without merit. Its 4.90 GHz boost clock, 95 W TDP, and integrated HD Graphics P630 make it a compelling option for compact systems or those needing a display output without a discrete GPU. Its 14 nm process node is more modern, and its Geekbench scores indicate strong performance in general-purpose tasks. The overall average benchmark score of 3610 versus 3608 shows that the E-2286G is not far behind in the aggregate, despite losing every head-to-head match.

The choice comes down to workload and platform. The E5-2678 v3 demands a Socket 2011-3 motherboard, which is a larger, more expensive platform, but it delivers consistent Cinebench wins and double the core count. The E-2286G fits on the more common Socket 1151, offers integrated graphics, and runs cooler at 95 W, but it loses every benchmark in the head-to-head suite. For pure rendering performance, the E5-2678 v3 is the data-backed pick. For a lower-power, graphics-capable system that still holds its own in average scores, the E-2286G is the reasonable alternative. Both CPUs are end-of-life, so availability and platform compatibility should guide the final decision.