Core i7-1260P vs Xeon Gold 5118
Core i7-1260P
Xeon Gold 5118
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-1260P
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5118
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-1260P | Xeon Gold 5118 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($432) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-P (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-1260P | Xeon Gold 5118 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($432) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-1260P and Xeon Gold 5118
Core i7-1260P
The Core i7-1260P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,592 points. Launch price was $299.
Xeon Gold 5118
The Xeon Gold 5118 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 16,744 points. Launch price was $1,273.
Processing Power
The Core i7-1260P packs 12 cores / 16 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 5118's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1260P versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5118 — a 38% clock advantage for the Core i7-1260P (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-1260P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5118 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1260P scores 16,592 against the Xeon Gold 5118's 16,744 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon Gold 5118. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i7-1260P vs 16.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 5118.
| Feature | Core i7-1260P | Xeon Gold 5118 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 16 | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+47% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.3 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total)+9% | 16.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 12 MB+860% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-P (2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 16,592 | 16,744 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,424 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,532 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-1260P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 5118 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-1260P versus 2400 on the Xeon Gold 5118 — the Xeon Gold 5118 supports 199.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5118 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 64 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-1260P) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 5118). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-1260P) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 5118) — the Xeon Gold 5118 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Adler Lake-P PCH (Core i7-1260P) and C621 (Xeon Gold 5118).
| Feature | Core i7-1260P | Xeon Gold 5118 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1744 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 2400+47900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+8738033% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 6+200% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 5118 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-1260P includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Xeon Gold 5118 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1260P targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5118 rivals EPYC 7301.
| Feature | Core i7-1260P | Xeon Gold 5118 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High Performance Laptop | — |
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