M2 vs Xeon Gold 5115

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.

M2 vs Xeon Gold 5115 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.

M2 vs Xeon Gold 5115: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

M2

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 20W instead of 85W, a 65W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of LGA3647 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Gold 5115 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,933 vs 15,017).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 5115, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon Gold 5115

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌325% higher power demand at 85W vs 20W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while M2 moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 5115 better than M2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 5115 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while M2 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 Gold 5115 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.4% 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 Gold 5115 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 5115 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon Gold 5115 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2017) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of LGA3647. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M2 vs Xeon Gold 5115 Technical Specifications

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

M2

The M2 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 June 2022 (3 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.48 GHz. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 20 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,933 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon Gold 5115

The Xeon Gold 5115 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 13.75 MB. L2 cache: 10 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 15,017 points. Launch price was $1,221.

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Processing Power

The M2 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon Gold 5115 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon Gold 5115 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.48 GHz on the M2 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5115 — a 8.4% clock advantage for the M2 (base: 2.424 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5115 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the M2 scores 14,933 against the Xeon Gold 5115's 15,017 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 5115.

Feature	M2	Xeon Gold 5115
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	3.48 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.424 GHz+1%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	—	13.75 MB
L2 Cache	20 MB+100%	10 MB
Process	5 nm-64%	14 nm
Architecture	—	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	14,933	15,017