Intel Xeon E-2104G

The Intel Xeon E-2104G is a 4-core, 4-thread server/workstation processor built on the Coffee Lake architecture. It runs at a fixed 3.20 GHz base clock with no boost, carries a 65 W TDP, and fits the Intel Socket 1151. With 8 MB of shared L3 cache, dual-channel DDR4 memory support (42.7 GB/s), and integrated UHD Graphics P630, this end-of-life part was launched on July 11, 2018, with a launch MSRP of $193. Its average benchmark score sits at 1445, placing it in the 38th percentile of all CPUs.

Who Should Consider It

The E-2104G is not a chip for demanding gaming or heavy content creation. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 705 is low, and the multi-core score of 4995 is also modest by modern standards. For gaming, single-thread performance is critical, and this processor’s fixed 3.20 GHz clock with no boost means it cannot burst to higher frequencies. The integrated UHD Graphics P630 is sufficient only for basic display output, not for any serious 3D work. Instead, this chip finds its place in office productivity, light web browsing, and simple multitasking, where the 4 threads are adequate. The dual-channel DDR4 memory with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth and 8 MB of shared L3 cache provide a workable foundation for everyday applications.

The 38th percentile ranking indicates that it outperforms only 38% of CPUs in the database, so it is not a performance leader. However, its ECC memory support makes it attractive for low-cost servers or workstations where data integrity is more important than raw speed. The end-of-life status suggests it may be found in used or refurbished systems, and its predictable power draw is a plus for always-on environments. The PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU is enough for a single discrete GPU or a couple of NVMe drives, though the integrated graphics already covers most office needs. For anyone running legacy software that is single-threaded and not demanding, the E-2104G will suffice, but it is not a future-proof choice.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 65 W, the E-2104G falls into a moderate power class. The 14 nm process and 126 mm² die size contribute to a thermal profile that a stock cooler or a basic air cooler can handle. Since there is no boost clock, the maximum power consumption is predictable, which simplifies thermal management in compact chassis. The lack of an unlocked multiplier further ensures stable operation. For a server/workstation part, the 65 W TDP is relatively low, making it suitable for small form factor systems or passive-cooled setups if airflow is adequate. The ECC memory support adds reliability but does not affect thermals. Overall, cooling requirements are not demanding, but a quality air cooler is recommended for sustained loads, though no specific cooler size is mandated by the data. The fixed clock also means there are no thermal spikes during short bursts, which can be an advantage in tightly packed enclosures.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark results show a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 705, while the multi-core score is 4995. This multi-core figure is much larger than the single-core, indicating that the processor’s four cores are effectively utilized. In Cinebench R15, the single-core score is 71 and multi-core is 503, showing a similar pattern. The same holds for R20 with 296 single and 2097 multi. These numbers suggest that the chip scales well across its four threads, but the per-core performance is low. For workloads that use all threads, such as video encoding or compiling, the E-2104G will perform relatively better than for single-threaded tasks like many games or office applications that rely on one core. The fixed 3.20 GHz base clock means there is no turbo boost to help with short bursts, so single-thread performance is capped. This makes the chip more suitable for multi-threaded batch processes than for interactive, latency-sensitive work.

How It Compares

The E-2104G’s average benchmark score is 1445. Its nearest rivals are all within a fraction of a percent of this figure, making the comparison a statistical tie.

AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE: With an average score of 1444, this rival is 0.1% behind the Xeon. The two are effectively identical in overall performance. The Xeon’s ECC support and fixed clock may appeal to workstation users, but the benchmark average shows no practical difference.

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U: Scoring 1443, this part is also 0.1% behind. The Ryzen PRO is a mobile-oriented chip, but the average scores are the same. The Xeon’s higher base clock (3.20 GHz) is offset by other architectural differences, resulting in a tie.

Intel Core i7-4712HQ: This older quad-core scores 1447, which is 0.1% higher than the Xeon (deltaPct -0.1). The i7 is a mobile part from 2014, yet it matches the Xeon’s average. The Xeon’s advantage lies in ECC memory support and a newer platform, but raw performance is essentially equal.

AMD Opteron 6378: With an average of 1447 and a delta of -0.2%, this server chip is also marginally ahead. Despite being a much older and different architecture, the Opteron’s average score is 2 points higher. In practice, the difference is negligible.

Overall, the E-2104G sits in a dead heat with all four rivals. The percentile rank of 38 confirms that it is a mid-to-low performer, but within its immediate peer group, there is no meaningful separation.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench scores provide a detailed view of the processor’s capabilities. In Cinebench R15, the multi-core score is 503 and single-core is 71. In R20, multi-core reaches 2097 and single-core 296. In R23, multi-core is 4995 and single-core 705. These numbers are all consistent with a 4-core/4-thread processor running at a fixed 3.20 GHz. The average benchmark score of 1445 is the composite metric used for comparison. Against its nearest rivals, the deltaPct values are +0.1, +0.1, -0.1, and -0.2, meaning the Xeon is within 0.2% of each. The 38th percentile placement indicates that it outperforms 38% of all CPUs in the database, which is a modest showing. The multi-core scores are relatively strong compared to the single-core scores, but the absolute values are low. For instance, the R23 multi-core of 4995 is far below what modern 6- or 8-core parts achieve, but for a 4-core part with no boost, it is expected. The lack of a boost clock means the chip cannot temporarily raise its clock for bursty workloads, which explains the low single-core scores. The fixed clock also ensures consistent performance in sustained multi-threaded loads, making it a predictable choice for batch jobs.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E-2104G support ECC memory?

A: Yes, it has ECC memory support.

Q: What socket does this processor use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1151.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes UHD Graphics P630.

Q: What is the TDP of the E-2104G?

A: The TDP is 65 W.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.