Core i7-8700K vs Xeon E-2186G

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-8700K vs Xeon E-2186G FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-8700K vs Xeon E-2186G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-8700K

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E-2186G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,572 vs 13,612).
❌Launch MSRP is still $359 MSRP, while Xeon E-2186G mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E-2186G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-8700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2186G better than Core i7-8700K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2186G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8700K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E-2186G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E-2186G is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E-2186G comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $359 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-8700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (37.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E-2186G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8700K vs Xeon E-2186G Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-8700K

The Core i7-8700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,572 points. Launch price was $359.

Xeon E-2186G

The Xeon E-2186G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,612 points. Launch price was $506.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8700K and Xeon E-2186G share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-8700K versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon E-2186G — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-8700K scores 13,572 against the Xeon E-2186G's 13,612 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E-2186G. L3 cache: 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700K vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2186G.

Feature	Core i7-8700K	Xeon E-2186G
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	12288 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
PassMark	13,572	13,612