M1 Pro 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 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 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

2021

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 35W, a 7W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1787 and DDR4.

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: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (18 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while M1 Pro 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 moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

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

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-11855M makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M1 Pro 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 6.1% 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 $450 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (38.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1787 and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Pro vs Xeon W-11855M Technical Specifications

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

M1 Pro

The M1 Pro is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 24 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 packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Xeon W-11855M offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M1 Pro has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro versus 4.9 GHz on the Xeon W-11855M — a 41.4% clock advantage for the Xeon W-11855M (base: 2.064 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon W-11855M is built on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Pro scores 17,218 against the Xeon W-11855M's 17,462 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon W-11855M. L3 cache: 24 MB on the M1 Pro vs 18 MB (total) on the Xeon W-11855M.

Feature	M1 Pro	Xeon W-11855M
Cores / Threads	10 / 10+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	4.9 GHz+52%
Base Clock	2.064 GHz	3.2 GHz+55%
L3 Cache	24 MB+33%	18 MB (total)
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 uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-11855M uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.