Core i9-7900X vs Xeon W-2155

Intel

Core i9-7900X

10 Cores20 Thrd140 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2155

10 Cores20 Thrd140 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i9-7900X vs Xeon W-2155 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i9-7900X vs Xeon W-2155 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 i9-7900X vs Xeon W-2155: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-7900X

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $441 less on MSRP ($999 MSRP vs $1,440 MSRP).
  • Delivers 44.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 14.5 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $1,440 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2155 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Xeon W-2155

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (20,858 vs 20,907).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.5 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($1,440 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-7900X better than Xeon W-2155?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2155 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-7900X 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, Core i9-7900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-7900X is the better buy right now. Core i9-7900X comes in $441 cheaper on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $1,440 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon W-2155 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 44.5% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 14.5 PassMark/$), 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 i9-7900X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 10/20 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 i9-7900X vs Xeon W-2155 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-7900X

The Core i9-7900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 14 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 20,907 points. Launch price was $999.

Intel

Xeon W-2155

The Xeon W-2155 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 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 13.75 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: 20,858 points. Launch price was $1,440.

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-7900X and Xeon W-2155 share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-7900X versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2155 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-7900X scores 20,907 against the Xeon W-2155's 20,858 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-7900X. L3 cache: 14 MB (total) on the Core i9-7900X vs 13.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2155.

FeatureCore i9-7900XXeon W-2155
Cores / Threads
10 / 20
10 / 20
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
4.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.3 GHz
L3 Cache
14 MB (total)+2%
13.75 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
20,907
20,858
Geekbench 6 Single
1,323
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,536
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7900X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2155 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i9-7900XXeon W-2155
Socket
LGA2011
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
44
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7900X) / not specified (Xeon W-2155). Primary use case: Core i9-7900X targets High-End Desktop.

FeatureCore i9-7900XXeon W-2155
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High-End Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-7900X was priced at $999, while the Xeon W-2155 came in at $1440. On launch pricing ($999 vs $1440), Core i9-7900X was $441 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7900X delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 14.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2155 — making the Core i9-7900X the 36.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-7900XXeon W-2155
MSRP
$999-31%
$1440
Performance per Dollar
20.9+44%
14.5
Release Date
2017
2017

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