Intel Xeon E-2126G

The Intel Xeon E-2126G is a 6-core, 6-thread processor from Intel's Coffee Lake-S WS generation, built on a 14 nm process with a die size of 154 mm². It runs at a 3.30 GHz base clock and a 4.50 GHz boost clock within an 80 W TDP. Released on 2018-07-11 with a launch MSRP of $255, it carries part number SR3WU and is aimed at the server/workstation segment. Its average benchmark score of 2825 places it at the 54th percentile of all CPUs, which means it outperforms the majority of processors in the database. The cache hierarchy consists of 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench R15 results are 888 in multi-core and 125 in single-core. Moving to Cinebench R20, the chip scores 3701 multi-core and 522 single-core. In the more recent Cinebench R23, it returns 8814 multi-core and 1244 single-core. Geekbench reports 5743 multi-core and 1565 single-core. These results show a part whose multi-threaded throughput scales well from six physical cores, while the 4.50 GHz boost clock keeps single-thread scores respectably high for a workstation processor.

The average benchmark score of 2825 is the reference point for comparison. Against the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5450U, the Xeon is 0.1% slower, since the Ryzen averages 2829. The Intel Core i7-9850H averages 2821, placing the Xeon 0.2% ahead. The Intel Core i5-11300H averages 2814, putting the Xeon 0.4% ahead. The Intel Core i7-6800K averages 2843, leaving the Xeon 0.6% behind. All four rivals sit within a narrow band from 2814 to 2843, so the E-2126G is effectively in the middle of a closely matched group.

The 54th percentile standing underscores that this is not a flagship CPU. It is, however, a solid mid-pack performer. In Cinebench R23, the 8814 multi-core score is roughly in line with what six physical threads can deliver, and the 1244 single-core score confirms that lightly threaded workloads get good clock response. The Geekbench multi-core score of 5743 reinforces the same story: the E-2126G is a competent worker but not a thread-count monster. Its 6 threads are the clear ceiling when comparing against higher-core alternative parts.

Power and Thermals

The 80 W TDP defines the cooling requirement. A six-core processor with a 4.50 GHz boost and an 80 W envelope is not a high-heat part. A standard tower-style air cooler is sufficient for most chassis, and the 14 nm process node keeps heat density manageable on the 154 mm² die. The integrated HD Graphics P630 is also part of the package, so the CPU must allocate some thermal and power headroom to the iGPU. For a workstation build, the 80 W figure means that even compact systems can cool this CPU without exotic liquid loops. The end-of-life production status means builders should focus on long-term platform availability rather than maximum overclocking headroom, especially because the multiplier is locked anyway. The 3.30 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost are the only clock states the chip can use, so thermal design can be matched to those fixed values.

Who Should Consider It

The E-2126G suits users who need ECC memory support in a mainstream-capable package. Six cores and six threads handle office productivity, moderate compilation tasks, and small virtual machines without strain, and the dual-channel DDR4 support with 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth is adequate for these workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 8814 indicates that occasional rendering or data-processing jobs are feasible, though sustained heavy multi-threaded work will expose the absence of SMT. Single-thread performance, as seen in the R23 single-core score of 1244 and Geekbench single-core score of 1565, provides a snappy desktop feel for interactive applications.

The integrated HD Graphics P630 means a separate GPU is unnecessary for basic display output, which is useful for headless servers or simple office workstations. Users who require error-corrected memory will find the ECC support essential, and the 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU provide room for one discrete GPU or fast storage. On the other hand, gamers looking for raw frame throughput will likely prefer a chip with more threads, since the 6-thread limit constrains modern multi-threaded game engines. Content creators who work in heavily threaded rendering software should also weight the 6-thread count carefully. For its intended server/workstation segment, though, the E-2126G is a balanced choice at its performance tier.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Xeon E-2126G support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the FACT PACK lists eccMemory as true, so it is compatible with ECC DDR4 modules.

Q: What socket does the E-2126G use?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1151.

Q: Does this processor have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes HD Graphics P630 integrated graphics.

Q: Is the E-2126G multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplierUnlocked field is false, so the base clock of 3.30 GHz and boost of 4.50 GHz are fixed limits.

Q: When was the E-2126G released, and what was its launch MSRP?

A: It was released on 2018-07-11, and the launch MSRP is $255.

Q: What is the part number for this CPU?

A: The part number is SR3WU.

How It Compares

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5450U is a near-perfect match in average scores, with 2829 versus the Xeon's 2825 and a delta of -0.1%. In any realistic workload, this difference is a tie. The Ryzen is a mobile-oriented part, yet it trades blows with the desktop Xeon on overall benchmark average.

The Intel Core i7-9850H comes closest on the other side, averaging 2821. The Xeon leads by 0.2%, which is again within run-to-run variance. Both are six-core parts with similar performance profiles, so the choice between them comes to socket and feature needs rather than raw speed.

The Intel Core i5-11300H trails the Xeon by 0.4%, averaging 2814. Despite being a newer architecture, the i5's mobile power envelope keeps its average below the Xeon's. The gap is small enough that workload-specific benchmark scores matter more than the overall average.

The Intel Core i7-6800K is the only rival that pulls ahead, averaging 2843. The Xeon sits 0.6% lower, which is the largest margin in this comparison group. Still, a 0.6% difference means the two parts are functionally equivalent for most applications. The i7-6800K's advantage is likely tied to its platform rather than any decisive architectural edge.

Platform and Compatibility

The E-2126G fits into Intel Socket 1151 motherboards and belongs to the Coffee Lake-S WS architecture family. It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configation, with 42.7 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory support is enabled, which is a distinguishing feature for reliability-focused server and workstation builds. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which is enough for a single high-end GPU or a fast NVMe SSD plus a couple of add-in cards. The integrated HD Graphics P630 handles display output for systems without a discrete graphics card.

The production status is end-of-life, so the upgrade path is limited to whatever Coffee Lake-S WS parts remain on the market. The locked multiplier means no overclocking, and the 3.30 GHz base clock and 4.50 GHz boost are the only speeds the chip will hit. For buyers building a new system today, the E-2126G is a functional but finite platform choice. Those who expect a long upgrade road may want to evaluate more recent socket platforms. Because the CPU is end-of-life, it is best purchased with the full system in mind rather than as a placeholder for future processors.