Core 5 120UL vs Xeon W-2225

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 5 120UL 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 5 120UL 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 5 120UL

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Costs $889 less on MSRP ($277 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅Delivers 326.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($277 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 105W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon W-2225

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 5 120UL across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,425 vs 10,558).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 38.1 PassMark/$ ($1,166 MSRP vs $277 MSRP).
❌600% higher power demand at 105W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 5 120UL 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 5 120UL is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 5 120UL is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 5 120UL is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Core 5 120UL is the better buy right now. Core 5 120UL comes in $889 cheaper on MSRP at $277 MSRP versus $1,166 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 326.3% better value on MSRP (38.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 5 120UL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 5 120UL vs Xeon W-2225 Technical Specifications

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

Core 5 120UL

The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 points. Launch price was $149.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core 5 120UL packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-2225 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core 5 120UL has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-2225 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.3 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Core 5 120UL is built on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 5 120UL scores 10,558 against the Xeon W-2225's 10,425 — a 1.3% lead for the Core 5 120UL. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core 5 120UL vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon W-2225.

Feature	Core 5 120UL	Xeon W-2225
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+150%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	4.1 GHz+215%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+45%	8.25 MB
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-PS (2024)	—
PassMark	10,558+1%	10,425

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Memory & Platform

The Core 5 120UL uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-2225 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 5 120UL	Xeon W-2225
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 5 120UL was priced at $277, while the Xeon W-2225 came in at $1166. On launch pricing ($277 vs $1166), Core 5 120UL was $889 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 5 120UL delivers 38.1 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2225 — making the Core 5 120UL the 124% better value option.

Feature	Core 5 120UL	Xeon W-2225
MSRP	$277-76%	$1166
Performance per Dollar	38.1+328%	8.9
Release Date	2024	2019

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