Xeon E5-2689 v4 vs Xeon W-3223

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 E5-2689 v4 vs Xeon W-3223 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 E5-2689 v4 vs Xeon W-3223: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2689 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅+51.5% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 17 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-3223 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 57.7 PassMark/$ ($2,723 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Xeon W-3223

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,429 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $2,723 MSRP).
✅Delivers 819.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 57.7 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $2,723 MSRP).
✅Draws 160W instead of 165W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (16,956 vs 17,084).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 25 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-3223 better than Xeon E5-2689 v4?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-3223 is ahead with a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2689 v4 pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2689 v4 also has the bigger cache pool with 51.5% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 17 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2689 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 51.5% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 17 MB).

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

Xeon W-3223 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-3223 comes in $2,429 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $2,723 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2689 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 819.3% better value on MSRP (57.7 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 W-3223 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2689 v4 vs Xeon W-3223 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2689 v4

The Xeon E5-2689 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 17,084 points. Launch price was $2,723.

Xeon W-3223

The Xeon W-3223 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 16,956 points. Launch price was $749.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2689 v4 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon W-3223 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2689 v4 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2689 v4 versus 4.2 GHz on the Xeon W-3223 — a 10% clock advantage for the Xeon W-3223 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-2689 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-3223 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2689 v4 scores 17,084 against the Xeon W-3223's 16,956 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-2689 v4. L3 cache: 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2689 v4 vs 16.5 MB on the Xeon W-3223.

Feature	Xeon E5-2689 v4	Xeon W-3223
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.2 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.5 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	25 MB+52%	16.5 MB
L2 Cache	2.5 MB	8 MB+220%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	17,084	16,956

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2689 v4 uses the LGA2011-3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-3223 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E5-2689 v4	Xeon W-3223
Socket	LGA2011-3	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2689 v4 was priced at $2723, while the Xeon W-3223 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($2723 vs $294), Xeon W-3223 was $2429 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2689 v4 delivers 6.3 pts/$ vs 57.7 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3223 — making the Xeon W-3223 the 160.8% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2689 v4	Xeon W-3223
MSRP	$2723	$294-89%
Performance per Dollar	6.3	57.7+816%
Release Date	2016	2019

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