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 i7-4960X vs Xeon W-2125 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 i7-4960X vs Xeon W-2125: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4960X

2013

Why buy it

✅+81.8% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8.3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,935 vs 10,000).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2125, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($990 MSRP vs $444 MSRP).

Xeon W-2125

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 40.
✅Costs $546 less on MSRP ($444 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 124.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($444 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).
✅Draws 120W instead of 130W, a 10W reduction.
✅20% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2125 better than Core i7-4960X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2125 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4960X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-2125 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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, Xeon W-2125 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W-2125 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2125 comes in $546 cheaper on MSRP at $444 MSRP versus $990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 124.4% better value on MSRP (22.5 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon W-2125 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013), more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4960X vs Xeon W-2125 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4960X

The Core i7-4960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,935 points. Launch price was $999.

Xeon W-2125

The Xeon W-2125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,000 points. Launch price was $444.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4960X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-2125 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-4960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4960X versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2125 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2125 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i7-4960X uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W-2125 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4960X scores 9,935 against the Xeon W-2125's 10,000 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon W-2125. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-4960X vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2125.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon W-2125
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.5 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)+82%	8.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	9,935	10,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4960X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2125 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Core i7-4960X versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2125 — the Xeon W-2125 supports 42.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2125 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-4960X) vs 48 (Xeon W-2125) — the Xeon W-2125 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon W-2125
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	DDR4-2666+43%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	512 GB+700%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	48+20%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-4960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-2125 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-4960X targets Desktop, Xeon W-2125 targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon W-2125
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4960X was priced at $990, while the Xeon W-2125 came in at $444. On launch pricing ($990 vs $444), Xeon W-2125 was $546 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4960X delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 22.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2125 — making the Xeon W-2125 the 76.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon W-2125
MSRP	$990	$444-55%
Performance per Dollar	10.0	22.5+125%
Release Date	2013	2017

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