Core Ultra 5 226V vs Xeon W-3225
Core Ultra 5 226V
Xeon W-3225
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 Ultra 5 226V
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-3225
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+186%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
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 Ultra 5 226V and Xeon W-3225
Core Ultra 5 226V
The Core Ultra 5 226V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,400 points. Launch price was $299.
Xeon W-3225
The Xeon W-3225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,251 points. Launch price was $1,199.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 226V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon W-3225's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 226V versus 4.4 GHz on the Xeon W-3225 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 226V (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 226V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon W-3225 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 226V scores 18,400 against the Xeon W-3225's 18,251 — a 0.8% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,041 vs 11,500 (23.9% advantage for the Xeon W-3225). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 1,150, a 52.2% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 9,100 (131% advantage for the Xeon W-3225). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 226V vs 16.5 MB on the Xeon W-3225.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.7 GHz+76% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 16.5 MB+106% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core) | 8 MB+220% |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 18,400 | 18,251 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,041 | 11,500+27% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962+71% | 1,150 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898 | 9,100+379% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 226V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-3225 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 226V versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-3225 — the Core Ultra 5 226V supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3225 supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 193.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 226V) vs 6 (Xeon W-3225). PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 5 226V) vs 64 (Xeon W-3225) — the Xeon W-3225 offers 56 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 226V) and C621 (Xeon W-3225).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5X-8533+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 1024 GB+6300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 6+200% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 64+700% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 226V) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-3225). The Core Ultra 5 226V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Xeon W-3225 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon W-3225 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon W-3225 rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2920X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc 130V | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 226V launched at $300 MSRP, while the Xeon W-3225 debuted at $1319. At current prices ($300 vs $850), the Core Ultra 5 226V is $550 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 226V delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 21.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3225 — making the Core Ultra 5 226V the 96.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Xeon W-3225 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-77% | $1319 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300-65% | $850 |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.3+185% | 21.5 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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