Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Xeon w7-3445

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 7 255HX vs Xeon w7-3445 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 7 255HX vs Xeon w7-3445: 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 7 255HX

2025

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 270W, a 215W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Xe-LPG, while Xeon w7-3445 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 53 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w7-3445, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 112 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon w7-3445

2023

Why buy it

✅+75% larger total L3 cache (53 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 112 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅366.7% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (48,991 vs 49,765).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,989 MSRP, while Core Ultra 7 255HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌390.9% higher power demand at 270W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 7 255HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 255HX better than Xeon w7-3445?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w7-3445 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 7 255HX 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 7 255HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 7 255HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core Ultra 7 255HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon w7-3445 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 7 255HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,989 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon w7-3445 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 7 255HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 20 cores / 20 threads instead of 20/40. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Xeon w7-3445 Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 7 255HX

The Core Ultra 7 255HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,765 points. Launch price was $450.

Xeon w7-3445

The Xeon w7-3445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 48,991 points. Launch price was $1,989.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 255HX packs 20 cores / 20 threads, matching the Xeon w7-3445's 20 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 255HX versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w7-3445 — a 8% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 255HX (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the Arrow Lake-HX (2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w7-3445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 255HX scores 49,765 against the Xeon w7-3445's 48,991 — a 1.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 255HX. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 255HX vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon w7-3445.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Xeon w7-3445
Cores / Threads	20 / 20	20 / 40
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+8%	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	52.5 MB+75%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+50%	2 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-HX (2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	49,765+2%	48,991
Geekbench 6 Single	2,923	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,885	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 255HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w7-3445 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 255HX versus 4800 on the Xeon w7-3445 — the Core Ultra 7 255HX supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w7-3445 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs 8 (Xeon w7-3445). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs 112 (Xeon w7-3445) — the Xeon w7-3445 offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870,Intel WM880 (Core Ultra 7 255HX) and W790 (Xeon w7-3445).

Feature	Core Ultra 7 255HX	Xeon w7-3445
Socket	FCBGA2114	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+33%	4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	112+367%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w7-3445 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 7 255HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w7-3445). The Core Ultra 7 255HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG), while the Xeon w7-3445 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 255HX rivals Ryzen 9 9850HX; Xeon w7-3445 rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.