CPU
GPU
Core i9-10900K
Xeon W-2255
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 i9-10900K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-2255
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+44%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 i9-10900K and Xeon W-2255
Core i9-10900K
The Core i9-10900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,382 points. Launch price was $488.
Xeon W-2255
The Xeon W-2255 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,504 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-10900K and Xeon W-2255 share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-2255 — a 10.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-10900K is built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-10900K scores 22,382 against the Xeon W-2255's 22,504 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon W-2255. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900K vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon W-2255.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+11% | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+4% | 19.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | — |
| PassMark | 22,382 | 22,504 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2255 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900K) / not specified (Xeon W-2255). The Core i9-10900K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon W-2255 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-10900K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900K launched at $499 MSRP, while the Xeon W-2255 debuted at $778. At current prices ($500 vs $350), the Xeon W-2255 is $150 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900K delivers 44.8 pts/$ vs 64.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2255 — making the Xeon W-2255 the 35.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900K | Xeon W-2255 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499-36% | $778 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500 | $350-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.8 | 64.3+44% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-10900K and Xeon W-2255
