Ryzen 7 260 vs Xeon w3-2525
Ryzen 7 260
Xeon w3-2525
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 260
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w3-2525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1031%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 7 260 and Xeon w3-2525
Ryzen 7 260
The Ryzen 7 260 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen 7 260 and Xeon w3-2525 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 260 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 260 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen 7 260 uses the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 260 scores 28,339 against the Xeon w3-2525's 28,641 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon w3-2525. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 260 vs 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+13% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+9% | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 22.5 MB+41% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Hawk Point (2024−2025) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 28,339 | 28,641+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 260 uses the FP8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-5600 memory speed. The Ryzen 7 260 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 7 260) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2525). PCIe lanes: 20 (Ryzen 7 260) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2525) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP8 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 2 TB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 7 260) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w3-2525). The Ryzen 7 260 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Xeon w3-2525 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 260 targets Mobile, Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 780M | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 7 260 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Xeon w3-2525 debuted at $609. At current prices ($70 vs $800), the Ryzen 7 260 is $730 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 260 delivers 404.8 pts/$ vs 35.8 pts/$ for the Xeon w3-2525 — making the Ryzen 7 260 the 167.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 260 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199-67% | $609 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $70-91% | $800 |
| Performance per Dollar | 404.8+1031% | 35.8 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2024 |
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