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 Ultra 5 228V vs Xeon Gold 5117 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 Ultra 5 228V vs Xeon Gold 5117: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core Ultra 5 228V

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $991 less on MSRP ($295 MSRP vs $1,286 MSRP).
✅Delivers 337.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 57.5 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($295 MSRP vs $1,286 MSRP).
✅Draws 17W instead of 105W, a 88W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA3647 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 19 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 5117, which brings 14 cores / 28 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 5117

2017

Why buy it

✅+140.6% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 14 cores / 28 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 8.
✅500% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 228V across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (16,897 vs 16,955).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 57.5 PassMark/$ ($1,286 MSRP vs $295 MSRP).
❌517.6% higher power demand at 105W vs 17W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 228V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 228V better than Xeon Gold 5117?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 5117 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 228V is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 5 228V is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 5 228V is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 5 228V is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 228V comes in $991 cheaper on MSRP at $295 MSRP versus $1,286 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 337.4% better value on MSRP (57.5 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), 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 Ultra 5 228V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA3647, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 14/28. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 228V vs Xeon Gold 5117 Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 5 228V

The Core Ultra 5 228V 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: 16,955 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon Gold 5117

The Xeon Gold 5117 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. L2 cache: 14 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 16,897 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 228V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon Gold 5117 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 228V versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5117 — a 46.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 228V (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 228V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5117 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 228V scores 16,955 against the Xeon Gold 5117's 16,897 — a 0.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 228V. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 228V vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 5117.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 228V	Xeon Gold 5117
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	14 / 28+75%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+61%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+5%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	19.25 MB+141%
L2 Cache	2.5 MB (per core)	14 MB+460%
Process	3 nm-79%	14 nm
Architecture	Lunar Lake (2024)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	16,955	16,897
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,932	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,585	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,053	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 228V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 5117 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 228V versus 2400 on the Xeon Gold 5117 — the Core Ultra 5 228V supports 255.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5117 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 5 228V) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 5117). PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 5 228V) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 5117) — the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 40 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 228V) and C621 (Xeon Gold 5117).

Feature	Core Ultra 5 228V	Xeon Gold 5117
Socket	FCBGA2833	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5X-8533+256%	2400
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	768 GB+2300%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	8	48+500%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon Gold 5117 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core Ultra 5 228V) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 5117). The Core Ultra 5 228V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Xeon Gold 5117 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5117 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 228V	Xeon Gold 5117
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Arc 130V	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 5 228V was priced at $295, while the Xeon Gold 5117 came in at $1286. On launch pricing ($295 vs $1286), Core Ultra 5 228V was $991 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 228V delivers 57.5 pts/$ vs 13.1 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 5117 — making the Core Ultra 5 228V the 125.6% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 5 228V	Xeon Gold 5117
MSRP	$295-77%	$1286
Performance per Dollar	57.5+339%	13.1
Release Date	2024	2017

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