The Intel Xeon E-2136 is a really interesting part as we will discuss in our review. One could make the argument that it is either the best or the worst value in the Intel Xeon E-2100 line. That fine distinction hinges on a single feature: the Intel iGPU. For those who want an integrated GPU, the Intel Xeon E-2136 is one of the few new Intel Xeon E-2100 series processors that does not come with an iGPU. On the other hand, de-featuring the GPU and losing some paltry base clock speed means that the Intel Xeon E-2136 is also the least expensive 6 core/ 12 thread Intel Xeon E-2100 series part on the market today. Let us get on to the review so we can explore the value proposition of this processor.
Key stats for the Intel Xeon E-2136: 6 cores / 12 threads and 3.3GHz base clock and 4.5GHz turbo boost with 12MB cache. The CPU features an 80W TDP. This is a $284 list price part which is very reasonable for this level of performance in today’s market. Here is the ARK page with the feature set.
Here is what the lscpu output looks like for the chips so you can see the feature flags:
Test Configuration
Here is our basic configuration for this class of CPU:
- Motherboard: Supemicro X11SCA-F
- CPU: Intel Xeon E-2136
- RAM: 4x 8GB DDR4-2400 ECC UDIMMs
- SSD: Intel DC S3710 400GB
- SATADOM: Supermicro 32GB SATADOM
The CPU itself supports up to 64GB of RAM, in a 4x 16GB configuration, today. Intel specs say that as 32GB ECC UDIMM modules become available, the CPUs will support 128GB in 4x32GB configurations. We see these platforms using 32GB or less given cost sensitivities.
There are going to be folks who want to point to AMD alternatives. As of this writing, there are really no alternatives in this space because while AMD may have competitive CPU parts, vendors have a vibrant Intel Xeon E-2100/ Core i3 ecosystem. AMD needs to do some work here to catch up, but it is not a focus market for them. Single socket servers in this segment are a relatively low volume area.
Next, we are going to take a look at our Intel Xeon E-2136 benchmarks, we are then going to focus on power consumption then conclude with our final words on the processors.
but does it run crysis ?
Are these performance results from a system that’s been hardened to Spectre/Meltdown, etc?
Is the idle power consumption the total system idle power consumption with the mentioned config (Motherboard, CPU, RAM, SSD and SATADOM drive)?
Appears the 33W idle/102W loaded is for the entire system. The author mentions an entire system can be powered within 1A on a 120V circuit with the stated numbers taken off a 208V PDU port.
We actually test both 208V and 120V now since we have data centers close by with each. 208V for comparison to other rackmount servers. We usually use 120V for embedded comparisons and some of the lower-end tower servers. Power consumption is higher for 120V, but it will still fit in 1A colo.
For ****’s sake, why didn’t you test these Coffee Xeons in gaming, at least some benchmarks…
There’s absolutely no info at the moment on their gaming performance…
Hi Valera, we are the server site, not the gaming site. Assume that these chips perform like a Core i7 counterpart that is sticking to spec’d power levels. That model gets you within 1-2% of actual performance.
Honestly I dont’t unterstand why the MB supports this Xeon, actually it should only support 1151 Socket – the for example the Xeon E2146 is Socket 1151 v2 – Do I have to update the bios to get it working or means 1151v2 the same as 1151? I really would like to get this Board, or maybe the X11SCH-LN4F with an Xeon E2146 – does this work?