Core i7-5930K 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 i7-5930K 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 i7-5930K 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 i7-5930K

2014

Why buy it

✅+81.8% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Costs $583 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅Delivers 98.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $1,166 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2225 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,369 vs 10,425).
❌33.3% higher power demand at 140W vs 105W.

Xeon W-2225

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 105W instead of 140W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($1,166 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2225 better than Core i7-5930K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2225 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-5930K 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-2225 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.0% 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, Xeon W-2225 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon W-2225 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W-2225 comes in 100.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,166 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 98.9% better value on paper (17.8 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Xeon W-2225 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-5930K vs Xeon W-2225 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5930K

The Core i7-5930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.

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 i7-5930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-2225 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-5930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-2225 — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2225 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Core i7-5930K is built on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Xeon W-2225's 10,425 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon W-2225. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon W-2225.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon W-2225
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	4.6 GHz+24%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	4.1 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)+82%	8.25 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell-E (2014)	—
PassMark	10,369	10,425
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2225 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon W-2225
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K) / not specified (Xeon W-2225). Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon W-2225
Integrated GPU	No	—
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	High End Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5930K was priced at $583, while the Xeon W-2225 came in at $1166. On launch pricing ($583 vs $1166), Core i7-5930K was $583 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5930K delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2225 — making the Core i7-5930K the 66.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon W-2225
MSRP	$583-50%	$1166
Performance per Dollar	17.8+100%	8.9
Release Date	2014	2019

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