CPU
GPU
Core Ultra 7 165U
Xeon Gold 5117
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 7 165U
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5117
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 165U | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Meteor Lake-P (2023) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 165U | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
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 7 165U and Xeon Gold 5117
Core Ultra 7 165U
The Core Ultra 7 165U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Meteor Lake-P (2023) architecture. It features 12 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,857 points. Launch price was $448.
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.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 7 165U packs 12 cores / 14 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon Gold 5117 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 165U versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5117 — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 165U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 165U uses the Meteor Lake-P (2023) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 5117 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 165U scores 16,857 against the Xeon Gold 5117's 16,897 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 5117. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 165U vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 5117.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 165U | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 14 | 14 / 28+17% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+75% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 2 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 19.25 MB+60% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 14 MB+600% |
| Process | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Meteor Lake-P (2023) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 16,857 | 16,897 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,350 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 165U uses the FCBGA2049 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 DDR5-5600 on the Core Ultra 7 165U versus 2400 on the Xeon Gold 5117 — the Xeon Gold 5117 supports 199.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5117 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 96 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 165U) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 5117). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 7 165U) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 5117) — the Xeon Gold 5117 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 7 165U) and C621 (Xeon Gold 5117).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 165U | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2049 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 2400+47900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 96 GB+13107100% | 768 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 6+200% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 5117 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 7 165U includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 5117 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 165U targets Premium Laptop. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5117 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 165U | Xeon Gold 5117 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Premium Laptop | — |
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