Core Ultra 7 266V vs Xeon W-2245

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 266V vs Xeon W-2245 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 266V vs Xeon W-2245: 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 266V

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 155W, a 138W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (19,274 vs 19,422).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 17 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2245, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $520 MSRP, while Xeon W-2245 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W-2245

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅+37.5% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌811.8% higher power demand at 155W vs 17W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 7 266V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 266V better than Xeon W-2245?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2245 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 7 266V is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-2245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 37.5% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core Ultra 7 266V is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 7 266V comes in at an unclear MSRP at $520 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W-2245 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 266V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 7 266V vs Xeon W-2245 Technical Specifications

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

Core Ultra 7 266V

The Core Ultra 7 266V 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 19,274 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon W-2245

The Xeon W-2245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 19,422 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 266V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon W-2245's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 266V versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-2245 — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 266V (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 266V is built on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 266V scores 19,274 against the Xeon W-2245's 19,422 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon W-2245. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 266V vs 16.5 MB on the Xeon W-2245.

Feature	Core Ultra 7 266V	Xeon W-2245
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	5 GHz+6%	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.9 GHz+77%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16.5 MB+38%
L2 Cache	2.5 MB (per core)	—
Process	3 nm-79%	14 nm
Architecture	Lunar Lake (2024)	—
PassMark	19,274	19,422

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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 266V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-2245 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.