CPU Comparison
Intel Xeon 6746E vs Intel Xeon 6787P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Xeon 6746E is a 112-core server processor built on the Sierra Forest architecture, designed exclusively with efficiency cores (E-cores) to deliver exceptional core density and throughput for cloud-native, containerized, and heavily multi-threaded workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration matrix like in P-core Xeons.
- CPU-based inference can leverage many cores for batch processing.
- On-die QAT accelerator can assist with AI-related compression/encryption.
- AMX and DL Boost accelerate CPU‑side inference and low‑precision math
- Best used as a complement to dedicated AI accelerators rather than a replacement
Content Creation
Gaming
- Lacks high single-core turbo frequencies.
- E-cores not optimized for low-latency gaming workloads.
- No integrated graphics.
- Server-focused SKU with no integrated graphics
- Can be paired with GPUs for GPU‑limited workloads, but client CPUs or specialized GPUs are better for pure gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unmatched core density (112 cores) in a single socket.
- Excellent energy efficiency for cloud throughput workloads.
- Integrated accelerators reduce need for discrete solutions.
- Massive I/O with 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
- Enables high consolidation ratios, saving rack space and power.
Cons
- Low base and turbo clock speeds limit single-thread performance.
- No Hyper-Threading, which may affect performance in some legacy applications.
- High cost per core compared to consumer or older Xeon platforms.
- Requires software optimized for many-core architectures.
- Limited to 2S scalability; not for extreme scale-up systems.
Pros
- 86 cores and 172 threads for massive parallelism
- 8‑channel DDR5/MRDIMM with high bandwidth and capacity
- 88 PCIe 5.0 lanes and CXL 2.0 for I/O‑heavy servers
- Integrated QAT, DLB, DSA, IAA, AMX accelerators
- Intel 3 process and Redwood Cove IPC gains vs prior Xeons
Cons
- 350 W TDP requires robust cooling and power
- High platform cost (CPU + DDR5/MRDIMM + platform)
- Overkill for small business or light workloads
- No integrated graphics and limited client‑use ecosystem
- New platform; early BIOS/firmware maturity considerations
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Xeon 6746E
- AMD EPYC 9004 Series (e.g., EPYC 9654)Rival
Cloud/High-Density Server
- Intel Xeon 6700E Series (Other SKUs)Rival
Cloud/High-Density Server
- Ampere Altra MaxRival
Cloud/Arm-based Server
- Intel Xeon Scalable 5th Gen (Emerald Rapids)Rival
General Purpose Server
- AMD EPYC 8004 Series (Siena)Rival
Single-Socket Cloud Server
Higher core count (144 cores) for even greater density, if budget allows.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon Platinum 8592+Alt
For workloads requiring strong single-thread performance and P-core features like AMX.
- AMD EPYC 9654Alt
Offers 96 cores with SMT (192 threads) and competitive performance per watt in cloud scenarios.
- Intel Xeon Gold 6430Alt
A balanced P-core Xeon for mixed workloads needing both single-thread speed and moderate core count.
- Intel Xeon w9-3495XAlt
A workstation-focused P-core Xeon with high clocks and unlocked multiplier for specialized tasks.
Intel Xeon 6787P
- AMD EPYC 9754 (Bergamo, 128 cores, 256 threads)Rival
Cloud‑optimized / High‑density server
- AMD EPYC 9005 series (Turin, up to 192 Zen 5 cores)Rival
High‑end server / AI / HPC
- Intel Xeon 6980P (128 cores, Granite Rapids‑AP)Rival
High‑core‑count server / HPC
- Intel Xeon 6780E (144 E‑cores, Sierra Forest)Rival
Scale‑out / Cloud‑native
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8592+ (5th Gen, 64 cores)Rival
Previous‑gen enterprise server
Fewer cores (64) but similar platform and lower price if 86 cores are not required.
Compare head-to-headHigher core count (128) for workloads that can leverage more threads in a single socket.
Compare head-to-head- AMD EPYC 9754Alt
Higher core density (128 Zen 4c cores) for cloud‑native workloads where TCO matters more than per‑core performance.
- AMD EPYC 9005 seriesAlt
Latest Zen 5/5c cores with higher IPC and core counts, strong alternative for new server deployments.
- Intel Xeon Platinum 8592+Alt
Lower‑cost 5th‑gen option with good performance if Granite Rapids features are not required.
Our Verdict on Each
A paradigm-shifting Xeon processor that trades single-thread speed for unparalleled core density and efficiency, perfectly tailored for the modern cloud data center.
Best for: Building new cloud data center racks for containerized, microservices, or VDI workloads where core density and power efficiency are paramount.
Read the full reviewAn extremely powerful dual-socket server CPU with huge core counts, strong per-thread performance, and rich integrated acceleration, best suited for new data center builds where its platform cost and power can be justified.
Best for: New dual‑socket server builds for VM‑heavy, database, HPC, or AI inference where 86 cores and 8‑channel memory can be fully utilized.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Xeon 6746E or Intel Xeon 6787P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Xeon 6746E comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Xeon 6746E or Intel Xeon 6787P?
For gaming, the Intel Xeon 6787P leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Xeon 6746E and Intel Xeon 6787P.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Xeon 6746E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Xeon 6746E (250 W), Intel Xeon 6787P (350 W).
Do Intel Xeon 6746E and Intel Xeon 6787P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the FCLGA4710 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Xeon 6746E has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Xeon 6746E (112 cores), Intel Xeon 6787P (86 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Xeon 6787P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Xeon 6787P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.