Core 3 N355 vs Xeon W-2225

Intel

Core 3 N355

8 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2025
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2225

4 Cores8 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
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Core 3 N355 vs Xeon W-2225 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 3 N355 vs Xeon W-2225 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 3 N355 vs Xeon W-2225: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 3 N355

2025

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $866 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
  • Delivers 291.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.0 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 105W, a 90W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2225 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8.3 MB).

Xeon W-2225

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +37.5% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (10,425 vs 10,502).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 35.0 PassMark/$ ($1,166 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
  • 600% higher power demand at 105W vs 15W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core 3 N355 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 3 N355 better than Xeon W-2225?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2225 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 3 N355 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, Core 3 N355 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 3 N355 is the better buy right now. Core 3 N355 comes in $866 cheaper on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $1,166 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon W-2225 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 291.5% better value on MSRP (35.0 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core 3 N355 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2019), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 3 N355 vs Xeon W-2225 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 3 N355

The Core 3 N355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,502 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon W-2225

The Xeon W-2225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 10,425 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core 3 N355 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W-2225 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core 3 N355 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core 3 N355 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-2225 — a 16.5% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2225 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Core 3 N355 is built on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 3 N355 scores 10,502 against the Xeon W-2225's 10,425 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 3 N355. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core 3 N355 vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon W-2225.

FeatureCore 3 N355Xeon W-2225
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4.6 GHz+18%
Base Clock
0.1 GHz
4.1 GHz+4000%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8.25 MB+38%
L2 Cache
2 MB (total)
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Twin Lake (2024−2025)
PassMark
10,502
10,425
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Memory & Platform

The Core 3 N355 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-2225 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 3 N355Xeon W-2225
Socket
FCBGA1264
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 3 N355 was priced at $300, while the Xeon W-2225 came in at $1166. On launch pricing ($300 vs $1166), Core 3 N355 was $866 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 3 N355 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2225 — making the Core 3 N355 the 118.6% better value option.

FeatureCore 3 N355Xeon W-2225
MSRP
$300-74%
$1166
Performance per Dollar
35.0+293%
8.9
Release Date
2025
2019

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