Intel Xeon E-2386G vs Intel Xeon W-2150B Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2150B has 10 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Xeon E-2386G has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: How do their boost clocks compare?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2386G boosts up to 5.10 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Xeon W-2150B's maximum boost of 4.50 GHz.

Q: Which chip supports more memory channels?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2150B supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, while the Intel Xeon E-2386G is limited to dual-channel DDR4.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Xeon W-2150B and the Intel Xeon E-2386G support ECC memory.

Q: What is the difference in their TDP ratings?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2150B has a TDP of 120 watts, whereas the Intel Xeon E-2386G consumes less power at 95 watts.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Xeon E-2386G includes UHD Graphics P750, while the Intel Xeon W-2150B has no integrated graphics.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data presents a clear, albeit narrow, sweep for the Intel Xeon W-2150B. Across all six recorded head-to-head tests, the older Skylake-W part finishes ahead. The wins are consistent in percentage terms, with the W-2150B leading by 4.7% in every single test, from Cinebench R15 single-core to Cinebench R23 multi-core. This suggests a uniform performance advantage rather than a workload-specific one.

However, the nature of that advantage is important. The W-2150B's victories come from its higher core count (10 versus 6) and larger shared cache (13.75 MB versus 12 MB). The E-2386G does not win a single benchmark in the database, but this does not make it irrelevant. Its higher boost clock (5.10 GHz) and lower TDP (95 watts) point toward a different deployment scenario. For tasks that are lightly threaded, the E-2386G's single-core frequency potential is a notable asset, even if the measured Cinebench scores do not reflect a win. The data shows a processor that trades raw multi-threaded throughput for efficiency and a more modern platform, potentially making it a better fit for single-socket servers where power constraints and integrated graphics matter more than sheer core count.

Architecture Differences

The two Xeons come from different architectural eras. The Intel Xeon W-2150B is based on the Skylake architecture, specifically the Skylake-W codename, and was released in December 2017. It is built on a 14 nm process node and has a die size of 484 mm². The Intel Xeon E-2386G, released in September 2021, uses the Rocket Lake architecture (Rocket Lake-E codename) and is also on a 14 nm process node, but its die is significantly smaller at 276 mm². Both are produced by Intel.

The cache hierarchies differ substantially. The W-2150B offers 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 13.75 MB of shared L3 cache. The E-2386G has a larger L1 cache at 80 KB per core, but a smaller L2 cache at 512 KB per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. This means the W-2150B has more total L2 cache due to its extra cores, while the E-2386G has a higher per-core L1 allocation.

The memory and I/O paths also separate these chips. The W-2150B uses a quad-channel memory bus with a peak bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s, while the E-2386G relies on a dual-channel bus with 51.2 GB/s. PCIe support is another differentiator: the W-2150B provides Gen 3 with 48 lanes, while the E-2386G offers the newer Gen 4 standard but only 20 lanes. The E-2386G also includes integrated UHD Graphics P750, something the W-2150B lacks entirely.

Specification Differences

Comparing the two processors side by side, the specification differences are pronounced. The Intel Xeon W-2150B has 10 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. Its TDP is 120 watts, and it fits into Intel Socket 2066. The Intel Xeon E-2386G has 6 cores and 12 threads, with a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. Its TDP is lower at 95 watts, and it uses Intel Socket 1200.

Memory configuration is another clear split: the W-2150B supports quad-channel DDR4 with a bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s, while the E-2386G supports dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe capabilities differ, as the W-2150B has Gen 3 with 48 lanes, whereas the E-2386G has Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The E-2386G is the only one with integrated graphics (UHD Graphics P750). The W-2150B is marked as end-of-life, while the E-2386G remains active in production. The E-2386G has a launch MSRP of $450. The socket difference alone dictates platform choice, as the two are not interchangeable.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head results show a consistent 4.7% advantage for the Intel Xeon W-2150B across every test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the W-2150B scores 1750 against 1672 for the E-2386G. The single-core R15 test shows 246 versus 235. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 7294 for the W-2150B and 6968 for the E-2386G, with single-core at 1029 versus 983. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 17368 against 16592, and the single-core result is 2452 versus 2342.

The pattern is striking: no test shows a larger or smaller margin. Every delta is exactly 4.7%. This uniformity implies that the performance gap is driven by a fundamental throughput advantage, likely the additional 4 cores and 8 threads of the W-2150B, rather than any per-core efficiency difference. The E-2386G's higher boost clock does not translate into a single-core win in these benchmarks, as the W-2150B still edges ahead in single-threaded tests. The average benchmark score in the database reinforces this: the W-2150B sits at 4992, while the E-2386G is at 4799. Both processors rank in the 59th percentile of all CPUs tracked, placing them in the same overall performance tier despite the W-2150B's consistent lead.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward choice for multi-threaded workloads. The Intel Xeon W-2150B wins all six head-to-head benchmarks, with a 4.7% margin in each case. Its 10 cores, 20 threads, and 13.75 MB of L3 cache make it the stronger option for rendering, compiling, or any parallel task that can use the extra threads. The quad-channel memory bus, with 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth, also gives it a clear advantage in memory-intensive scenarios.

The Intel Xeon E-2386G, however, has its own merits. It runs at a higher base clock (3.50 GHz) and boost clock (5.10 GHz), and its lower TDP of 95 watts makes it a more power-efficient choice. The presence of integrated graphics means it can power a display without a discrete GPU, which is useful in compact server or workstation builds. Its PCIe Gen 4 support, while limited to 20 lanes, offers faster connectivity for modern NVMe drives and accelerators.

The production status is a decisive factor. The W-2150B is end-of-life, while the E-2386G is still active. For new deployments, the E-2386G offers a current platform with a longer expected service life. For those who already have an LGA 2066 board or need maximum multi-core performance from this comparison, the W-2150B is the clear winner. The verdict from the database is simple: the W-2150B is the faster processor, but the E-2386G is the more efficient and modern one. Choose based on whether raw throughput or platform longevity matters more.