M1 Pro 8-Core vs Xeon W-11855M

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.

M1 Pro 8-Core vs Xeon W-11855M 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.

M1 Pro 8-Core vs Xeon W-11855M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

M1 Pro 8-Core

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 35W, a 7W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1787 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core), while Xeon W-11855M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-11855M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,218 vs 17,462).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-11855M, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon W-11855M

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while M1 Pro 8-Core mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌25% higher power demand at 35W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on FCBGA1787 with DDR4, while M1 Pro 8-Core moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M1 Pro 8-Core can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-11855M better than M1 Pro 8-Core?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-11855M makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M1 Pro 8-Core is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-11855M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.9% 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, Xeon W-11855M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon W-11855M is the better buy right now. Xeon W-11855M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $450 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (38.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

M1 Pro 8-Core makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1787. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Pro 8-Core vs Xeon W-11855M Technical Specifications

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

M1 Pro 8-Core

The M1 Pro 8-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon W-11855M

The Xeon W-11855M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,462 points. Launch price was $450.

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Processing Power

The M1 Pro 8-Core packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W-11855M offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M1 Pro 8-Core has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro 8-Core versus 4.9 GHz on the Xeon W-11855M — a 41.4% clock advantage for the Xeon W-11855M (base: 2.06 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon W-11855M is built on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Pro 8-Core scores 17,218 against the Xeon W-11855M's 17,462 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon W-11855M. L3 cache: 16 MB on the M1 Pro 8-Core vs 18 MB (total) on the Xeon W-11855M.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Xeon W-11855M
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	4.9 GHz+52%
Base Clock	2.06 GHz	3.2 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	16 MB	18 MB (total)+13%
L2 Cache	28 MB+2140%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	5 nm-50%	10 nm SuperFin
Architecture	—	Tiger Lake-H (2021)
PassMark	17,218	17,462+1%

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Memory & Platform

The M1 Pro 8-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-11855M uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Xeon W-11855M
Socket	none	FCBGA1787
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-6400	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Virtualization (M1 Pro 8-Core) / not specified (Xeon W-11855M). The M1 Pro 8-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)), while the Xeon W-11855M requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Pro 8-Core targets Mobile.