Core Ultra 7 265 vs Xeon w7-3445

Intel

Core Ultra 7 265

20 Cores20 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.3 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
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VS
Intel

Xeon w7-3445

20 Cores40 Thrd270 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Core Ultra 7 265 vs Xeon w7-3445 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core Ultra 7 265 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 7 265 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 7 265

2025

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,605 less on MSRP ($384 MSRP vs $1,989 MSRP).
  • Delivers 425.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 129.3 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($384 MSRP vs $1,989 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 270W, a 205W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics, 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.

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 49,666).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.6 vs 129.3 PassMark/$ ($1,989 MSRP vs $384 MSRP).
  • 315.4% higher power demand at 270W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 7 265 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 265 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 7 265 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 7 265 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 7 265 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 20 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 7 265 is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 7 265 comes in $1,605 cheaper on MSRP at $384 MSRP versus $1,989 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 425.1% better value on MSRP (129.3 vs 24.6 PassMark/$), 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 7 265 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 7 265 vs Xeon w7-3445 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 7 265

The Core Ultra 7 265 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 49,666 points. Launch price was $394.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 265 packs 20 cores / 20 threads, matching the Xeon w7-3445's 20 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w7-3445 — a 9.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w7-3445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 265 scores 49,666 against the Xeon w7-3445's 48,991 — a 1.4% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265 vs 52.5 MB on the Xeon w7-3445.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 265Xeon w7-3445
Cores / Threads
20 / 20
20 / 40
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz+10%
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-S (2024−2025)
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
49,666+1%
48,991
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 265 uses the LGA1851 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 6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265 versus 4800 on the Xeon w7-3445 — the Core Ultra 7 265 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w7-3445 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 265) vs 8 (Xeon w7-3445). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 7 265) vs 112 (Xeon w7-3445) — the Xeon w7-3445 offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 7 265) and W790 (Xeon w7-3445).

FeatureCore Ultra 7 265Xeon w7-3445
Socket
LGA1851
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
6400+33%
4800
Max RAM Capacity
256
4096+1500%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
112+367%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w7-3445 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 7 265 includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the Xeon w7-3445 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 265 rivals Ryzen 7 9700X; Xeon w7-3445 rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 265Xeon w7-3445
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel Arc Graphics
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 7 265 was priced at $384, while the Xeon w7-3445 came in at $1989. On launch pricing ($384 vs $1989), Core Ultra 7 265 was $1605 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 265 delivers 129.3 pts/$ vs 24.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w7-3445 — making the Core Ultra 7 265 the 136% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 265Xeon w7-3445
MSRP
$384-81%
$1989
Performance per Dollar
129.3+426%
24.6
Release Date
2025
2023

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