Xeon E5-2697A v4 vs Xeon W-11955M

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 E5-2697A v4 vs Xeon W-11955M 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 E5-2697A v4 vs Xeon W-11955M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2697A v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (40 MB vs 24 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (21,621 vs 21,702).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 34.8 PassMark/$ ($2,891 MSRP vs $623 MSRP).
❌314.3% higher power demand at 145W vs 35W.

Xeon W-11955M

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $2,268 less on MSRP ($623 MSRP vs $2,891 MSRP).
✅Delivers 365.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 34.8 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($623 MSRP vs $2,891 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 145W, a 110W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 40 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-11955M better than Xeon E5-2697A v4?

Yes. Xeon W-11955M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 W-11955M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 W-11955M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon W-11955M is the better buy right now. Xeon W-11955M comes in $2,268 cheaper on MSRP at $623 MSRP versus $2,891 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 365.8% better value on MSRP (34.8 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), 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-11955M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 16/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E5-2697A v4 vs Xeon W-11955M Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2697A v4

The Xeon E5-2697A 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 40 MB. L2 cache: 4 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: 21,621 points. Launch price was $2,891.

Xeon W-11955M

The Xeon W-11955M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,702 points. Launch price was $623.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697A v4 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon W-11955M offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2697A v4 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2697A v4 versus 5 GHz on the Xeon W-11955M — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Xeon W-11955M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon E5-2697A v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-11955M uses Tiger Lake-H (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2697A v4 scores 21,621 against the Xeon W-11955M's 21,702 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-11955M. L3 cache: 40 MB on the Xeon E5-2697A v4 vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon W-11955M.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697A v4	Xeon W-11955M
Cores / Threads	16 / 32+100%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	5 GHz+39%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	40 MB+67%	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+220%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Tiger Lake-H (2021)
PassMark	21,621	21,702

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697A v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-11955M uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697A v4	Xeon W-11955M
Socket	LGA2011	FCBGA1787
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2697A v4 was priced at $2891, while the Xeon W-11955M came in at $623. On launch pricing ($2891 vs $623), Xeon W-11955M was $2268 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2697A v4 delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 34.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W-11955M — making the Xeon W-11955M the 129.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697A v4	Xeon W-11955M
MSRP	$2891	$623-78%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	34.8+364%
Release Date	2016	2021

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