Core i7-13850HX vs Xeon w5-3425

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 i7-13850HX vs Xeon w5-3425 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 i7-13850HX vs Xeon w5-3425: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-13850HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 270W, a 215W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Xeon w5-3425 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-3425, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 112 PCIe lanes.

Xeon w5-3425

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 112 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅460% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (36,178 vs 36,409).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,189 MSRP, while Core i7-13850HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌390.9% higher power demand at 270W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-13850HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13850HX better than Xeon w5-3425?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-3425 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-13850HX 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 i7-13850HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i7-13850HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 28 threads.

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

Core i7-13850HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon w5-3425 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-13850HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon w5-3425 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (30.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-13850HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 20 cores / 28 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-13850HX vs Xeon w5-3425 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-13850HX

The Core i7-13850HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 20 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,409 points. Launch price was $428.

Xeon w5-3425

The Xeon w5-3425 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-13850HX packs 20 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon w5-3425 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13850HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i7-13850HX versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-13850HX (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-13850HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-13850HX scores 36,409 against the Xeon w5-3425's 36,178 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-13850HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13850HX vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-3425.

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	Xeon w5-3425
Cores / Threads	20 / 28+67%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+15%	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	30 MB
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	36,409	36,178

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-13850HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-3425 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i7-13850HX versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 — the Core i7-13850HX supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3425 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 8 (Xeon w5-3425). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-13850HX) vs 112 (Xeon w5-3425) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 92 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i7-13850HX) and W790 (Xeon w5-3425).

Feature	Core i7-13850HX	Xeon w5-3425
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+17%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	112+460%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-13850HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-13850HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Xeon w5-3425 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13850HX rivals Ryzen 7 8845HS.