Core Ultra 5 238V vs Xeon W-1290T
Core Ultra 5 238V
Xeon W-1290T
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 238V
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-1290T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($454) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($494) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+8%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($454) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($494) |
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 238V and Xeon W-1290T
Core Ultra 5 238V
The Core Ultra 5 238V 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 4.7 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: 18,219 points. Launch price was $299.
Xeon W-1290T
The Xeon W-1290T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 18,409 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 238V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W-1290T offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-1290T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-1290T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 238V is built on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 238V scores 18,219 against the Xeon W-1290T's 18,409 — a 1% lead for the Xeon W-1290T. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 238V vs 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon W-1290T.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 10 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz+11% | 1.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache+150% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | — |
| PassMark | 18,219 | 18,409+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,683 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,130 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-1290T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5x-8533 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 238V) / not specified (Xeon W-1290T). The Core Ultra 5 238V includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 130V), while the Xeon W-1290T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 238V targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 238V rivals Ryzen 5 8640U.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics 130V | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Productivity | — |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 238V launched at $454 MSRP, while the Xeon W-1290T debuted at $546. At current prices ($454 vs $494), the Core Ultra 5 238V is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 238V delivers 40.1 pts/$ vs 37.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290T — making the Core Ultra 5 238V the 7.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Xeon W-1290T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $454-17% | $546 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $454-8% | $494 |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.1+8% | 37.3 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2020 |
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