Core i9-11900 vs Xeon W-2255

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 i9-11900 vs Xeon W-2255 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 i9-11900 vs Xeon W-2255: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-11900

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $339 less on MSRP ($439 MSRP vs $778 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.1 vs 28.9 PassMark/$ ($439 MSRP vs $778 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,422 vs 22,504).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2255, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-2255

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.9 vs 51.1 PassMark/$ ($778 MSRP vs $439 MSRP).
❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900 better than Xeon W-2255?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2255 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-2255 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).

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

Core i9-11900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900 comes in $339 cheaper on MSRP at $439 MSRP versus $778 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W-2255 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 76.6% better value on MSRP (51.1 vs 28.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i9-11900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11900 vs Xeon W-2255 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11900

The Core i9-11900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 22,422 points. Launch price was $299.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-11900 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon W-2255 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-2255 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-11900 versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-2255 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-11900 is built on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-11900 scores 22,422 against the Xeon W-2255's 22,504 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-2255. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900 vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon W-2255.

Feature	Core i9-11900	Xeon W-2255
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+9%	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+48%
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	19.25 MB+20%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	—
PassMark	22,422	22,504

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900 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 i9-11900	Xeon W-2255
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-11900 was priced at $439, while the Xeon W-2255 came in at $778. On launch pricing ($439 vs $778), Core i9-11900 was $339 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900 delivers 51.1 pts/$ vs 28.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2255 — making the Core i9-11900 the 55.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-11900	Xeon W-2255
MSRP	$439-44%	$778
Performance per Dollar	51.1+77%	28.9
Release Date	2021	2019

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