Intel Xeon E-2186M

The Intel Xeon E-2186M is a 6-core, 12-thread Coffee Lake-H processor designed for the server and workstation segment, built on Intel's 14 nm process with a 2.90 GHz base clock and a 4.80 GHz boost clock. It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration with ECC capability, offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, and includes integrated UHD Graphics P630. This end-of-life part, launched in April 2018 with a launch MSRP of $623, occupies a specific niche in the benchmark database, with an average benchmark score of 2941 placing it at the 54th percentile of all CPUs tested.

Benchmark Performance

The E-2186M's benchmark results reveal a processor that is competent but not class-leading in the current landscape. Its average benchmark score of 2941 sits nearly exactly at the midpoint of its closest rivals, with the data showing a spread of only 1.6 percentage points across all four nearest competitors. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score of 9673 and single-core score of 1365 demonstrate a substantial performance gap between multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads, a trait common to many high-clock mobile-derived Xeon parts. The Geekbench scores of 5306 multicore and 1434 single-core follow the same pattern, reinforcing the processor's positioning as a balanced yet not extreme performer.

When examining the deltaPct values from the nearestRivals data, the E-2186M trails the Intel Xeon E-2278GEL by a marginal 0.5%, while leading the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 by 0.7%, the Intel Core i3-12100TE by 0.9%, and the Intel Core i5-9600KF by 1.1%. These figures indicate that the E-2186M delivers performance that is statistically indistinguishable from its nearest competitors in aggregate benchmarks. The 54th percentile ranking versus all CPUs further contextualizes this, showing that while the processor is not a top-tier performer, it also does not fall into the lower quartiles of performance. The Cinebench R20 scores of 4062 multicore and 573 single-core align with the R15 results of 974 multicore and 137 single-core, showing consistent scaling across benchmark generations.

Who Should Consider It

The workload profile of the E-2186M makes it suitable for specific use cases rather than general-purpose builds. For multi-threaded productivity tasks such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or virtualization, the 6-core/12-thread configuration with a 12 MB shared L3 cache provides a reasonable foundation, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multicore score of 9673. However, the 45 W TDP and the 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth suggest that this processor is better suited for compact workstation systems or dense server deployments where power efficiency is prioritized over raw throughput. The ECC memory support makes it a candidate for memory-sensitive workloads like database servers or financial modeling, where data integrity is non-negotiable.

For office productivity and lighter tasks, the E-2186M is likely overkill, as its single-core performance in Cinebench R23 of 1365 is adequate but not exceptional compared to modern desktop processors. Gamers should look elsewhere, as the server-oriented feature set and the integrated UHD Graphics P630 are not designed for high-refresh-rate gaming, and the 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes may limit GPU and storage expansion in consumer scenarios. The processor is best suited for professionals who need a compact, ECC-capable computing platform with moderate multi-core performance, such as in small-form-factor workstations or edge server appliances where the 45 W TDP keeps cooling requirements modest.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The E-2186M exhibits a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance, which has direct implications for real-world workloads. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score of 9673 is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score of 1365, a ratio that is typical for a 6-core/12-thread processor with a 4.80 GHz boost clock. The Geekbench results show a similar pattern, with the multicore score of 5306 being 3.7 times the single-core score of 1434, though the difference in scaling factors between the two benchmark suites reflects their distinct workload compositions. The high boost clock of 4.80 GHz ensures that single-threaded tasks like legacy software, spreadsheet macros, or certain simulation tools will perform briskly, but the performance will not match newer architectures with higher instructions per clock.

The practical takeaway is that workloads which can utilize all 12 threads will see a significant speedup, while those limited to one or two threads will rely heavily on the boost clock to remain competitive. For instance, a Cinebench R15 single-core score of 137 indicates that the processor can handle single-threaded rendering tasks well, but the multicore score of 974 shows that scaling to 12 threads is efficient. This behavior makes the E-2186M a better choice for batch processing or parallel compilation tasks than for interactive single-threaded applications, where the 45 W TDP and thermal constraints of the mobile-derived package may cause the boost clock to drop under sustained load. The 12 MB shared L3 cache helps mitigate some of the latency penalties in multi-threaded workloads, but the dual-channel memory bus at 42.7 GB/s can become a bottleneck for memory-intensive parallel tasks.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Xeon E-2186M?

A: The average benchmark score is 2941, placing it at the 54th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the E-2186M compare to the Intel Xeon E-2278GEL?

A: The E-2186M trails the E-2278GEL by 0.5% in average benchmark score, with the rival scoring 2956 versus 2941.

Q: Does the E-2186M support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory support is listed as true, along with dual-channel DDR4 memory support with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s.

Q: What integrated graphics does the E-2186M include?

A: It includes UHD Graphics P630, which is integrated into the processor.

Q: What is the socket type for this processor?

A: The socket is Intel BGA 1440, which is a ball-grid array package, indicating it is soldered to the motherboard.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, meaning the processor does not support user overclocking.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Xeon E-2278GEL, the E-2186M is nearly identical in overall performance, with the data showing a 0.5% deficit for the E-2186M (2941 vs 2956 average score). Both processors are positioned in the same performance envelope, making the choice between them depend on other factors like platform features or availability, as the benchmark scores indicate no meaningful winner.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 is a close competitor, with the E-2186M holding a 0.7% advantage (2941 vs 2921). This difference is negligible in real-world terms, and the selection between these two parts would likely hinge on ecosystem considerations such as memory support or PCIe lane configuration rather than raw performance.

The Intel Core i3-12100TE is another near-peer, with the E-2186M leading by 0.9% (2941 vs 2915). Despite the Core i3 being a newer architecture with fewer cores, the aggregate benchmark scores are almost identical, suggesting that the E-2186M's higher core count and boost clock offset any architectural advantages the i3 may possess.

The Intel Core i5-9600KF trails the E-2186M by 1.1% (2941 vs 2910), which is the largest gap among the nearest rivals. The i5-9600KF is a 6-core/6-thread part, so the E-2186M's hyper-threading provides a slight edge in the multi-threaded benchmarks that contribute to the average score, even though the i5 has a higher base clock.

Platform and Compatibility

The E-2186M uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, which is a soldered ball-grid array design, meaning it is not upgradeable in the traditional sense and is intended for use in pre-built systems or embedded motherboards. The processor is based on the Coffee Lake architecture with the codename Coffee Lake-H, fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process with a die size of 154 mm². Memory support is limited to DDR4 in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, and the integrated memory controller supports ECC memory, which is a key feature for workstation and server applications. The PCIe support includes Gen 3 with 16 lanes available from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single high-end GPU or multiple NVMe drives, though it limits expansion compared to desktop platforms with more lanes.

The platform's upgrade path is effectively non-existent due to the BGA 1440 socket, so buyers should consider the full lifecycle of their system when adopting this processor. The processor is marked as end-of-life, which means availability is limited to existing stock or used markets. The 45 W TDP is a defining characteristic, allowing for passive cooling or small low-profile coolers in compact chassis, but it also caps sustained performance under heavy loads. The integrated UHD Graphics P630 provides basic display output and hardware acceleration, which can reduce the need for a discrete GPU in headless server configurations or light desktop use. The production status being end-of-life and the release date of April 2018 indicate that this is a mature platform, and the 14 nm process node is several generations behind current offerings, but the feature set remains relevant for specific embedded and workstation applications where ECC, power efficiency, and a compact footprint are priorities.