Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-2235

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 E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-2235 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 E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-2235: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2697 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+263.6% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon W-2235

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2697 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,235 vs 14,267).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $555 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2697 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2697 v2 better than Xeon W-2235?

Yes. Xeon E5-2697 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2697 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.7% 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 E5-2697 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 263.6% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2697 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon W-2235 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2697 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $555 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon W-2235 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 W-2235 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-2235 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2697 v2

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 14,267 points. Launch price was $1,723.

Xeon W-2235

The Xeon W-2235 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 14,235 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-2235 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2697 v2 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2697 v2 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-2235 — a 27.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2235 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Xeon E5-2697 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2697 v2 scores 14,267 against the Xeon W-2235's 14,235 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-2697 v2. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon W-2235.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697 v2	Xeon W-2235
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+100%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.6 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+41%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)+264%	8.25 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	—
PassMark	14,267	14,235

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2235 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.