Xeon E-2356G vs Xeon W-1290T

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.

Xeon E-2356G vs Xeon W-1290T 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.

Xeon E-2356G vs Xeon W-1290T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E-2356G

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $235 less on MSRP ($311 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 59.4 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($311 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.

Xeon W-1290T

2020

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E-2356G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (18,409 vs 18,459).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 33.7 vs 59.4 PassMark/$ ($546 MSRP vs $311 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2356G better than Xeon W-1290T?

Yes. Xeon E-2356G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E-2356G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.4% 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 E-2356G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon E-2356G is the better buy right now. Xeon E-2356G comes in $235 cheaper on MSRP at $311 MSRP versus $546 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 76.0% better value on MSRP (59.4 vs 33.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E-2356G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E-2356G vs Xeon W-1290T Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E-2356G

The Xeon E-2356G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Rocket Lake-E (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 18,459 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon W-1290T

The Xeon W-1290T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 18,409 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E-2356G packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-1290T offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-1290T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Xeon E-2356G versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-1290T — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2356G (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Xeon E-2356G is built on the Rocket Lake-E (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E-2356G scores 18,459 against the Xeon W-1290T's 18,409 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E-2356G. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2356G vs 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon W-1290T.

Feature	Xeon E-2356G	Xeon W-1290T
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+6%	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+68%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB Intel® Smart Cache+67%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake-E (2021)	—
PassMark	18,459	18,409

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0.

Feature	Xeon E-2356G	Xeon W-1290T
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E-2356G was priced at $311, while the Xeon W-1290T came in at $546. On launch pricing ($311 vs $546), Xeon E-2356G was $235 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E-2356G delivers 59.4 pts/$ vs 33.7 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290T — making the Xeon E-2356G the 55.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E-2356G	Xeon W-1290T
MSRP	$311-43%	$546
Performance per Dollar	59.4+76%	33.7
Release Date	2021	2020

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