Core i9-7960X vs Xeon W-2275
Core i9-7960X
Xeon W-2275
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 i9-7960X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-2275
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($185) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+171%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($185) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) |
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 i9-7960X and Xeon W-2275
Core i9-7960X
The Core i9-7960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,020 points. Launch price was $1,699.
Xeon W-2275
The Xeon W-2275 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 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: 27,974 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7960X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon W-2275 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-7960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7960X versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon W-2275 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2275 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i9-7960X is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-7960X scores 28,020 against the Xeon W-2275's 27,974 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-7960X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,189 vs 19,000 (15.5% advantage for the Core i9-7960X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,394 vs 1,596, a 13.5% lead for the Xeon W-2275 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-7960X vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon W-2275.
| Feature | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+14% | 14 / 28 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.8 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.3 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 22 MB (total)+14% | 19.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | — |
| PassMark | 28,020 | 27,974 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 22,189+17% | 19,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,394 | 1,596+14% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,000 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2066 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the Core i9-7960X versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-2275 — the Core i9-7960X supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2275 supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-7960X) vs 48 (Xeon W-2275) — the Xeon W-2275 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-7960X) and C422 (Xeon W-2275).
| Feature | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+66550% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 1024 GB+838860700% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 48+9% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-7960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-7960X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-2275). Primary use case: Xeon W-2275 targets Professional Content Creation / VFX. Direct competitor: Xeon W-2275 rivals Core i9-10940X.
| Feature | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Professional Content Creation / VFX |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-7960X launched at $1699 MSRP, while the Xeon W-2275 debuted at $1112. At current prices ($185 vs $500), the Core i9-7960X is $315 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-7960X delivers 151.5 pts/$ vs 55.9 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2275 — making the Core i9-7960X the 92.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-7960X | Xeon W-2275 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1699 | $1112-35% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $185-63% | $500 |
| Performance per Dollar | 151.5+171% | 55.9 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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