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 i7-8700 vs Xeon W-2133 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 i7-8700 vs Xeon W-2133: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8700

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Costs $314 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
✅Delivers 105.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.1 vs 20.4 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2133, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-2133

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅200% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (6,000 vs 7,969).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.4 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700 better than Xeon W-2133?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2133 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8700 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 i7-8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.3% 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 i7-8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 32.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 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 i7-8700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-8700 comes in $314 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 105.8% better value on MSRP (42.1 vs 20.4 PassMark/$), 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-2133 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8700 vs Xeon W-2133 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8700

The Core i7-8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,747 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon W-2133

The Xeon W-2133 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 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): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 12,615 points. Launch price was $617.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8700 and Xeon W-2133 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-8700 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon W-2133 — a 16.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-8700 uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-2133 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700 scores 12,747 against the Xeon W-2133's 12,615 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-8700. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 7,969 vs 6,000 (28.2% advantage for the Core i7-8700). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,535 vs 1,292, a 17.2% lead for the Core i7-8700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,200 vs 6,647 (7% advantage for the Xeon W-2133). L3 cache: 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700 vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2133.

Feature	Core i7-8700	Xeon W-2133
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+18%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	12288 kB+45%	8.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	12,747+1%	12,615
Cinebench R23 Multi	7,969+33%	6,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,535+19%	1,292
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,200	6,647+7%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8700 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2133 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon W-2133 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-8700) vs 4 (Xeon W-2133). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-8700) vs 48 (Xeon W-2133) — the Xeon W-2133 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 300-series (Core i7-8700) and C422 (Xeon W-2133).

Feature	Core i7-8700	Xeon W-2133
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	512 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	48+200%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon W-2133 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-8700 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon W-2133 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8700 targets Gaming, Xeon W-2133 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-8700 rivals Ryzen 5 2600; Xeon W-2133 rivals Ryzen Threadripper 1900X.

Feature	Core i7-8700	Xeon W-2133
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8700 was priced at $303, while the Xeon W-2133 came in at $617. On launch pricing ($303 vs $617), Core i7-8700 was $314 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700 delivers 42.1 pts/$ vs 20.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2133 — making the Core i7-8700 the 69.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8700	Xeon W-2133
MSRP	$303-51%	$617
Performance per Dollar	42.1+106%	20.4
Release Date	2017	2017

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