Xeon E7-8857 v2 vs Xeon w5-2455X

Intel

Xeon E7-8857 v2

12 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon w5-2455X

12 Cores24 Thrd200 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Xeon E7-8857 v2 vs Xeon w5-2455X Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 E7-8857 v2 vs Xeon w5-2455X 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 E7-8857 v2 vs Xeon w5-2455X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E7-8857 v2

2014

Why buy it

  • Draws 130W instead of 200W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2455X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (36,304 vs 37,109).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.5 vs 35.7 PassMark/$ ($3,838 MSRP vs $1,039 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA2011, while Xeon w5-2455X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2455X

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +25.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $2,799 less on MSRP ($1,039 MSRP vs $3,838 MSRP).
  • Delivers 277.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.7 vs 9.5 PassMark/$ ($1,039 MSRP vs $3,838 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.
  • 60% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 53.8% higher power demand at 200W vs 130W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2455X better than Xeon E7-8857 v2?
Yes. Xeon w5-2455X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 25.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.2% 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 w5-2455X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 25.3% 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 w5-2455X is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon w5-2455X is the better buy right now. Xeon w5-2455X comes in $2,799 cheaper on MSRP at $1,039 MSRP versus $3,838 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 277.6% better value on MSRP (35.7 vs 9.5 PassMark/$), 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 w5-2455X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2014), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011, more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 12/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon E7-8857 v2 vs Xeon w5-2455X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E7-8857 v2

The Xeon E7-8857 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,304 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Xeon w5-2455X

The Xeon w5-2455X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 37,109 points. Launch price was $1,039.

Processing Power

The Xeon E7-8857 v2 packs 12 cores / 12 threads, matching the Xeon w5-2455X's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X — a 24.4% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2455X (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon w5-2455X is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E7-8857 v2 scores 36,304 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 2.2% lead for the Xeon w5-2455X. Both processors carry 30 MB of L3 cache.

FeatureXeon E7-8857 v2Xeon w5-2455X
Cores / Threads
12 / 12
12 / 24
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
4.6 GHz+28%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.2 GHz+7%
L3 Cache
30 MB
30 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
Process
22 nm
Intel 7 nm-68%
Architecture
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
36,304
37,109+2%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E7-8857 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-2455X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2455X supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 1536 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2455X) — the Xeon w5-2455X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C602J (Xeon E7-8857 v2) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).

FeatureXeon E7-8857 v2Xeon w5-2455X
Socket
LGA2011
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
1600
4800+200%
Max RAM Capacity
1536
2048+33%
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
64+60%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-2455X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-2455X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon E7-8857 v2 rivals Xeon E7-4850 v2; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.

FeatureXeon E7-8857 v2Xeon w5-2455X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E7-8857 v2 was priced at $3838, while the Xeon w5-2455X came in at $1039. On launch pricing ($3838 vs $1039), Xeon w5-2455X was $2799 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7-8857 v2 delivers 9.5 pts/$ vs 35.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2455X — making the Xeon w5-2455X the 116.2% better value option.

FeatureXeon E7-8857 v2Xeon w5-2455X
MSRP
$3838
$1039-73%
Performance per Dollar
9.5
35.7+276%
Release Date
2014
2023

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