Intel Xeon E-2386G vs Intel Xeon W-2145 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits cleanly along generation lines, but not along the core-count narrative one might expect. The Intel Xeon E-2386G wins every single head-to-head benchmark recorded in the database, taking all six comparisons across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, in both single-core and multi-core tests. The Intel Xeon W-2145 does not record a single win in the head-to-head results. This is a decisive sweep, but the margin is consistent rather than overwhelming.

The E-2386G’s advantage is most pronounced in multi-threaded workloads, where it leads by 7.8% in every multi-core test. That is a uniform gap, not a scaling anomaly. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the E-2386G scores 16592 against the W-2145’s 15299, a difference of 1293 points. The same 7.8% delta appears in R20 multi-core (6968 vs 6425) and R15 multi-core (1672 vs 1542). This suggests the E-2386G’s architectural efficiency per core compensates for its two-core deficit, and then some.

Single-core performance tells a similar story, with the E-2386G leading by 7.7% to 7.8% depending on the test version. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the E-2386G posts 2342 against 2159 for the W-2145. The R20 single-core scores are 983 vs 906, and R15 single-core shows 235 vs 217. The consistency of the delta across all six benchmarks, regardless of workload type or test generation, points to a fundamental per-core performance difference rather than a workload-specific quirk.

Where the W-2145 might be expected to win, namely raw core count, the data does not support it. Eight cores versus six cores should favor the W-2145 in multi-threaded tasks, but the E-2386G’s higher boost clock and newer architecture flip the result. The W-2145’s only theoretical advantage is its quad-channel memory bus, which provides 85.3 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s for the E-2386G, but this does not translate into a benchmark win in the recorded data.

For workloads that are heavily memory-bandwidth bound, the W-2145 may still hold value, but the database’s Cinebench results do not capture that scenario. The E-2386G is the winner in every measured category, making it the default choice for compute-heavy tasks based purely on the recorded scores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel platform generations, and the architectural gap explains the benchmark results. The W-2145 is built on the Skylake-W architecture, part of the Xeon W series, fabricated on a 14 nm process with a die size of 484 mm². The E-2386G uses the Rocket Lake-E architecture from the Xeon E-2300 series, also on a 14 nm process, but with a significantly smaller die at 276 mm². Both are Intel foundry parts, but Rocket Lake-E is the newer design, released in September 2021 versus August 2017 for the Skylake-W part.

Core configuration differs substantially. The W-2145 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the E-2386G has 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite two fewer cores, the E-2386G achieves higher benchmark scores across the board. The E-2386G’s boost clock is 5.10 GHz versus 4.50 GHz for the W-2145, a 0.60 GHz advantage that appears to be the primary driver of its per-core superiority. Base clocks are closer: 3.50 GHz for the E-2386G and 3.70 GHz for the W-2145, so the W-2145 actually starts higher but cannot sustain the same peak.

Cache layouts differ in both size and organization. The W-2145 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 11 MB of shared L3 cache. The E-2386G has 80 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The E-2386G’s larger L1 cache per core and larger total L3 cache, combined with smaller L2 per core, reflect a different cache hierarchy optimized for the newer architecture. The E-2386G’s L2 per core is half the W-2145’s, but this does not hurt its benchmark performance.

Memory support also diverges. The W-2145 uses quad-channel DDR4 with a theoretical bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s, while the E-2386G uses dual-channel DDR4 at 51.2 GB/s. Both support ECC memory, which is expected for server and workstation parts. The W-2145’s memory bandwidth is 67% higher on paper, but this advantage is not visible in the Cinebench results. PCIe connectivity favors the newer part: the E-2386G supports Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while the W-2145 supports Gen 3 with 48 lanes. The E-2386G also includes integrated UHD Graphics P750, whereas the W-2145 has no integrated graphics.

Socket and platform differences are significant. The W-2145 uses Intel Socket 2066, the E-2386G uses Intel Socket 1200. Thermal design power differs as well: the W-2145 is rated at 140 W, the E-2386G at 95 W. The E-2386G delivers higher performance while consuming less power on paper, a notable efficiency gain. Production status also differs, with the W-2145 marked as end-of-life and the E-2386G as active.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are unambiguous: the E-2386G wins all six recorded comparisons, with a consistent delta of 7.8% in multi-core tests and 7.7% to 7.8% in single-core tests. Starting with Cinebench R15 multi-core, the E-2386G scores 1672 against 1542 for the W-2145, a 7.8% lead. The R15 single-core test shows 235 versus 217, a 7.7% gap. These are the smallest margins in the set, but still clear wins.

Cinebench R20 repeats the pattern. Multi-core scores are 6968 for the E-2386G and 6425 for the W-2145, again a 7.8% difference. Single-core is 983 versus 906, also 7.8%. The R23 results are the largest absolute gaps. Multi-core shows 16592 for the E-2386G and 15299 for the W-2145, a 1293-point difference. Single-core is 2342 versus 2159, an 183-point gap. Both represent 7.8% leads.

The consistency of the 7.8% delta across all three multi-core tests and two of the three single-core tests is remarkable. It suggests the performance difference is structural, tied to the architecture and clock speed, rather than workload-dependent. The R15 single-core test is the only outlier at 7.7%, and that is within measurement noise.

Looking at the broader benchmark context, the W-2145’s average benchmark score is 4576, placing it in the 58th percentile of all CPUs. The E-2386G’s average score is 4799, placing it in the 59th percentile. The E-2386G’s nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, which scores 4807 (a 0.2% lead over the E-2386G), and the Intel Core i5-1350P at 4776 (0.5% behind). The W-2145’s nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E-2356G at 4548 (0.6% behind) and the Intel Core i9-10900 at 4614 (0.8% ahead). These rival comparisons show the E-2386G competing with higher-tier desktop and server parts, while the W-2145 sits in a slightly lower performance band.

The W-2145’s Geekbench scores, which are not part of the head-to-head set but exist in the database, show 8712 multi-core and 1345 single-core. The E-2386G does not have recorded Geekbench scores, so a direct comparison is not possible from the data. The Cinebench results are the only complete cross-comparison, and they favor the E-2386G unanimously.

The Verdict

The data is clear: the Intel Xeon E-2386G is the faster processor in every recorded benchmark. It wins all six head-to-head tests, with a consistent 7.8% lead in multi-core and 7.7% to 7.8% in single-core. This is despite having two fewer cores and threads, which underscores the architectural advantage of the newer Rocket Lake-E design over the older Skylake-W.

For users prioritizing raw compute performance in Cinebench-style workloads, the E-2386G is the unambiguous choice. Its higher boost clock, larger L1 cache per core, and newer architecture deliver better results across the board. The E-2386G also carries a lower thermal design power of 95 W versus 140 W, which suggests better efficiency, though the database does not record power consumption in benchmarks.

The W-2145 retains one clear advantage: memory bandwidth. Its quad-channel DDR4 interface provides 85.3 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s for the E-2386G. For workloads that are heavily memory-bandwidth dependent, such as large-scale data processing or certain virtualization scenarios, the W-2145 may be preferable. The data does not include such benchmarks, so this remains a qualitative inference from the memory subsystem specifications.

The W-2145 also offers more PCIe lanes, 48 versus 20, and supports Gen 3 versus Gen 4 for the E-2386G. For systems requiring many expansion cards or high-bandwidth peripherals, the W-2145’s lane count is a tangible benefit. However, the E-2386G’s Gen 4 support offers higher per-lane bandwidth, which may be more relevant for modern NVMe storage and GPUs.

For most compute-centric server and workstation tasks, the E-2386G is the better pick based on the recorded data. It wins every benchmark, is newer, active in production, and consumes less power on paper. The W-2145 is end-of-life, which is a practical consideration for long-term system support.

The choice comes down to workload profile. If memory bandwidth and PCIe lane count are critical, the W-2145 has merits. If raw CPU performance in multi-threaded and single-threaded compute is the priority, the E-2386G is superior according to the database. The percentile rankings reinforce this: the E-2386G sits at the 59th percentile of all CPUs, the W-2145 at the 58th, a small but consistent edge.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2386G wins all three multi-core tests. It scores 1672 in Cinebench R15, 6968 in R20, and 16592 in R23, each 7.8% ahead of the W-2145’s 1542, 6425, and 15299 respectively.

Q: Does the W-2145’s higher core count help in any benchmark?

A: No. Despite having 8 cores and 16 threads versus 6 cores and 12 threads for the E-2386G, the W-2145 loses every multi-core benchmark by 7.8%. The E-2386G’s architectural efficiency outweighs the two-core deficit.

Q: What is the single-core performance difference?

A: The E-2386G leads by 7.7% in Cinebench R15 single-core (235 vs 217) and 7.8% in both R20 (983 vs 906) and R23 (2342 vs 2159). The margin is consistent across all three tests.

Q: How do these processors compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The E-2386G’s average benchmark score is 4799, placing it 0.2% behind the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X and 0.5% ahead of the Intel Core i5-1350P. The W-2145’s average score is 4576, 0.6% behind the Intel Xeon E-2356G and 0.8% behind the Intel Core i9-10900.

Q: Is there any advantage to the W-2145’s memory system?

A: Yes. The W-2145 uses quad-channel DDR4 with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth, while the E-2386G uses dual-channel at 51.2 GB/s. This is a 67% higher theoretical bandwidth, though it does not translate to wins in the recorded Cinebench tests.

Q: What are the platform differences between the two?

A: The W-2145 uses Intel Socket 2066 with a 140 W TDP, while the E-2386G uses Intel Socket 1200 with a 95 W TDP. The E-2386G supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes and includes integrated UHD Graphics P750; the W-2145 supports PCIe Gen 3 with 48 lanes and has no integrated graphics.