Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon Gold 6348H

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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon Gold 6348H 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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon Gold 6348H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Gold 6348H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 33 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6348H, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6348H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon Gold 6348H

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+1550% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,967 vs 6,039).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6348H better than Microsoft SQ1?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6348H makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Microsoft SQ1 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, Microsoft SQ1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon Gold 6348H is still the faster CPU overall, but Microsoft SQ1 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon Gold 6348H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Microsoft SQ1 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.2% better PassMark. Microsoft SQ1 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon Gold 6348H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019) and 1550% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon Gold 6348H Technical Specifications

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

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon Gold 6348H

The Xeon Gold 6348H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Cooper Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 RDIMM. Passmark benchmark score: 5,967 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6348H offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6348H has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 4.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6348H — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6348H. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6348H uses Cooper Lake-SP (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Xeon Gold 6348H's 5,967 — a 1.2% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 33 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6348H.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Xeon Gold 6348H
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	24 / 48+200%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.2 GHz+40%
Base Clock	—	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	33 MB (total)+1550%
L2 Cache	—	1 MB (per core)
Process	7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)	Cooper Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark	6,039+1%	5,967