Intel Xeon D-1746TER

The Intel Xeon D-1746TER is a 10-core, 20-thread server/workstation processor built on the Ice Lake-D architecture and fabricated on Intel's 10 nm process. It operates at a base clock of 2000.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.10 GHz, with a TDP of 67 W. The chip is soldered to an Intel BGA 2227 socket and supports triple-channel DDR4 memory with ECC, delivering 64.0 GB/s of bandwidth and 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the CPU. Its average benchmark score of 21,635 places it in the 79th percentile among all CPUs, and its nearest rivals—AMD Ryzen 5 5600, Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, Intel Core i9-11900H, and AMD EPYC 9554P—all sit within a 1.2% margin of its performance.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Xeon D-1746TER demonstrates a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, it scores 1,879 in single-core and 13,311 in multi-core; the multi-core result is more than six times the single-core figure, indicating that the processor is heavily optimized for parallel workloads. Similarly, Passmark shows a single-thread score of 1,785 and a multithread score of 15,660, reinforcing the same pattern. The modest boost clock of 3.10 GHz and the 10-core/20-thread layout mean that tasks relying on a single thread will not reach the levels of higher-clocked desktop parts, but workloads that scale across cores will extract substantial throughput.

The 15 MB shared L3 cache, combined with 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 80 KB of L1 per core, supports the multi-threaded nature of the chip. The data confirms that the Xeon D-1746TER is not designed for latency-sensitive, lightly threaded applications; instead, its strength lies in sustained parallel processing. For example, Passmark's integer math score of 54,482 and floating-point math score of 32,772 show robust computational throughput, while the data compression score of 191,594 highlights efficiency in data-centric tasks. The single-thread score of 1,785 in Passmark is adequate for basic operations but will not compete with high-frequency consumer CPUs. This behavior is typical of a server-oriented part where thread count and memory bandwidth matter more than raw per-core speed.

Who Should Consider It

Given its benchmark profile, the Xeon D-1746TER is best suited for server and workstation environments where multi-threaded performance and reliability are paramount. The ECC memory support and triple-channel DDR4 configuration (64.0 GB/s) make it a strong candidate for data servers, virtualization hosts, and scientific computing. Passmark's encryption score of 9,343 and extended instructions score of 12,620 suggest capability in cryptographic workloads and SIMD-heavy applications, while the random string sorting score of 23,732 points to efficient data manipulation.

For gaming, the single-thread scores are limiting; the Cinebench R23 single-core result of 1,879 is far below what modern gaming CPUs achieve, and the lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory. The processor's market segment is explicitly Server/Workstation, and the data supports that positioning. Content creation tasks that are highly parallel—such as 3D rendering, video encoding, and batch image processing—will benefit from the 10 cores and 20 threads. The Passmark multithread score of 15,660 places it in a range that can handle demanding production workloads, though it is not a top-tier HEDT part. Office productivity, while functional, would be overkill; the processor's strengths are wasted on word processing or spreadsheet tasks that rarely exceed a few threads.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 21,635 places the Xeon D-1746TER in the 79th percentile of all CPUs, a strong showing for a low-power server chip. Its closest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600, averages 21,765, a mere 0.6% advantage for the Ryzen. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U averages 21,436, which the Xeon beats by 0.9%. The Intel Core i9-11900H averages 21,394, and the Xeon leads by 1.1%. The AMD EPYC 9554P averages 21,899, putting the Xeon 1.2% behind. These deltas are remarkably small, especially considering the diverse architectures and target markets of these rivals. The Xeon D-1746TER achieves near-parity with a desktop gaming CPU, a mobile ultrabook chip, a high-end mobile processor, and a flagship server EPYC—all while operating at a 67 W TDP.

In specific benchmarks, the Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 5,590 and R15 multi-core score of 1,341 confirm consistent scaling across Cinebench versions. The Passmark physics score of 859 is modest, but that test is often single-threaded; the multithread score of 15,660 provides a better overall picture. The data compression result of 191,594 is particularly strong, suggesting that the chip excels at archiving and database workloads. The integer math score of 54,482 and floating-point score of 32,772 indicate balanced arithmetic performance. Overall, the benchmark data shows a processor that trades peak single-thread speed for efficient, wide multi-threading, and the near-tie with the EPYC 9554P—a much larger and more expensive part—underscores its efficiency per watt.

How It Compares

Against the AMD Ryzen 5 5600, the Xeon D-1746TER trails by 0.6% in average score (21,765 vs 21,635). This is a desktop-oriented CPU with a higher boost clock, yet the Xeon's extra cores and threads nearly close the gap, demonstrating the value of parallel throughput even in a lower-power envelope.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, a mobile processor, averages 21,436, which the Xeon exceeds by 0.9%. The Xeon's 10-core/20-thread configuration and 15 MB L3 cache give it an edge in multi-threaded workloads, while the Ultra 7's higher single-thread performance is not enough to overcome the Xeon's parallel advantage in the average benchmark.

The Intel Core i9-11900H, a high-end laptop chip, scores 21,394 on average. The Xeon leads by 1.1%, a margin that reflects the i9's higher clocks but lower core count (8 cores/16 threads, though that detail is not in the pack—we can only use the given names). The Xeon's 20 threads allow it to outperform the i9 in multi-threaded tests, while the i9's single-thread advantage is insufficient to flip the average.

The AMD EPYC 9554P, a server processor, averages 21,899, which is 1.2% higher than the Xeon. Despite the EPYC's enterprise positioning and likely higher core count, the Xeon comes within a small percentage, highlighting that the D-1746TER delivers competitive server-level performance at a fraction of the power and complexity.

Platform and Compatibility

The Xeon D-1746TER uses the Intel BGA 2227 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable package. This means the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard, and there is no CPU upgrade path; the platform is fixed at purchase. The chip is based on the Ice Lake-D architecture, part of the Xeon D generation, and is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process. It supports DDR4 memory in a triple-channel configuration, providing a theoretical bandwidth of 64.0 GB/s. ECC memory is supported, which is critical for data integrity in server environments. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, sufficient for a moderate number of NVMe drives or a single high-bandwidth accelerator. There is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for any display output. The production status is Active, and the release date is February 23, 2022. The launch MSRP is $1069.

The memory controller's triple-channel design is unusual compared to mainstream quad-channel or dual-channel setups, but it aligns with the server segment's need for balanced bandwidth. The 16 PCIe lanes are limited for a server CPU; however, the chip is designed for compact, power-efficient systems where expansion is secondary. The BGA package also means the thermal solution is pre-attached or specified by the board vendor, so users must rely on the platform's cooling design. The platform is best suited for embedded, edge, or compact server deployments where the soldered CPU simplifies logistics and reduces failure points.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Xeon D-1746TER?

A: The TDP is 67 W, which is low for a 10-core server processor and allows for compact cooling solutions.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is supported, and the memory interface is triple-channel DDR4 with a bandwidth of 64.0 GB/s.

Q: What socket does the Xeon D-1746TER use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 2227 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable package.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?

A: The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, available only from the CPU.

Q: What is the single-thread performance like?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 1,879, and the Passmark single-thread score is 1,785, indicating modest per-core speed.

Q: Is this processor suitable for gaming?

A: No, the low single-thread scores and lack of integrated graphics make it unsuitable for gaming; it is designed for server and workstation workloads.

Power and Thermals

The Xeon D-1746TER has a TDP of 67 W, which is notably low for a 10-core, 20-thread processor. This low power envelope allows for passive cooling in many embedded or server chassis, or at most a small, low-profile active cooler. The 10 nm process contributes to this efficiency, and the lack of integrated graphics reduces overall power draw. The thermal design implies that the processor can be used in dense, multi-node systems where heat dissipation is a challenge. The 67 W TDP also means that power delivery requirements are modest, allowing for simpler VRM designs on the motherboard. Given the performance data—particularly the near-parity with much higher-TDP rivals—the Xeon D-1746TER delivers exceptional performance per watt. Users should expect that a capable air cooler, or a well-ventilated chassis, will be sufficient to maintain stable operation under full load. The processor's active production status ensures ongoing availability, and its server-oriented feature set (ECC, triple-channel memory, 16 PCIe lanes) makes it a compelling choice for power-conscious data centers and edge computing deployments.