Xeon E5-2697 v4 vs Xeon W-2155

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 v4 vs Xeon W-2155 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 v4 vs Xeon W-2155: 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 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+227.3% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 14 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Xeon W-2155

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 140W instead of 145W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (20,858 vs 20,990).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (14 MB vs 45 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,440 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2697 v4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2155 better than Xeon E5-2697 v4?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-2155 is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2697 v4 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2697 v4 also has the bigger cache pool with 227.3% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 14 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2697 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 227.3% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 14 MB).

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

Xeon W-2155 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2155 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,440 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2697 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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-2155 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2697 v4 vs Xeon W-2155 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2697 v4

The Xeon E5-2697 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 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 4.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 20,990 points. Launch price was $2,702.

Xeon W-2155

The Xeon W-2155 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 13.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,858 points. Launch price was $1,440.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697 v4 packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon W-2155 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2697 v4 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2697 v4 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2155 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2155 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon E5-2697 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-2155 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2697 v4 scores 20,990 against the Xeon W-2155's 20,858 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2697 v4. L3 cache: 45 MB on the Xeon E5-2697 v4 vs 13.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2155.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697 v4	Xeon W-2155
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+80%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3.3 GHz+43%
L3 Cache	45 MB+227%	13.75 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4.5 MB+350%	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	20,990	20,858

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2155 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.