Xeon Gold 5320 vs Xeon w5-2455X

Intel

Xeon Gold 5320

26 Cores52 Thrd185 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2021
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 Gold 5320 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 Gold 5320 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 Gold 5320 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 Gold 5320

2021

Why buy it

  • +1.2% higher PassMark.
  • +30% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Draws 185W instead of 200W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2455X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.1 vs 35.7 PassMark/$ ($1,780 MSRP vs $1,039 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2455X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2455X

2023

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $741 less on MSRP ($1,039 MSRP vs $1,780 MSRP).
  • Delivers 69.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.7 vs 21.1 PassMark/$ ($1,039 MSRP vs $1,780 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (37,109 vs 37,558).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 39 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2455X better than Xeon Gold 5320?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon w5-2455X is ahead with a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 5320 pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Xeon Gold 5320 also has the bigger cache pool with 30% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 30 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 5320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 26 cores and 52 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 30% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 30 MB).
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 $741 cheaper on MSRP at $1,039 MSRP versus $1,780 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 5320 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.2% better PassMark. It is also 69.3% better value on MSRP (35.7 vs 21.1 PassMark/$), 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 2021) and a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon Gold 5320 vs Xeon w5-2455X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon Gold 5320

The Xeon Gold 5320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 26 cores and 52 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 39 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 37,558 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 Gold 5320 packs 26 cores / 52 threads, while the Xeon w5-2455X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 5320 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5320 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X — a 30% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2455X (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5320 uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon w5-2455X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5320 scores 37,558 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 5320. L3 cache: 39 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5320 vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X.

FeatureXeon Gold 5320Xeon w5-2455X
Cores / Threads
26 / 52+117%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.6 GHz+35%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.2 GHz+45%
L3 Cache
39 MB (total)+30%
30 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
10 nm
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Ice Lake-SP (2021)
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
37,558+1%
37,109
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 5320 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2455X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 5320 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 63.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5320 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 5320) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2455X). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 5320) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).

FeatureXeon Gold 5320Xeon w5-2455X
Socket
LGA4189
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
2933
4800+64%
Max RAM Capacity
6144+200%
2048
RAM Channels
8+100%
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
64
64
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-2455X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5320 rivals EPYC 7452; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.

FeatureXeon Gold 5320Xeon w5-2455X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Gold 5320 was priced at $1780, while the Xeon w5-2455X came in at $1039. On launch pricing ($1780 vs $1039), Xeon w5-2455X was $741 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 5320 delivers 21.1 pts/$ vs 35.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2455X — making the Xeon w5-2455X the 51.5% better value option.

FeatureXeon Gold 5320Xeon w5-2455X
MSRP
$1780
$1039-42%
Performance per Dollar
21.1
35.7+69%
Release Date
2021
2023

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