Xeon Gold 6146 vs Xeon W-2255

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 6146 vs Xeon W-2255 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 6146 vs Xeon W-2255: 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 6146

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2255 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Xeon W-2255

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,504 vs 22,595).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $778 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6146 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2255 better than Xeon Gold 6146?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-2255 is ahead with a 8.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6146 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Xeon Gold 6146 also has the bigger cache pool with 28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6146 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Xeon W-2255 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2255 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $778 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6146 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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-2255 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon Gold 6146 vs Xeon W-2255 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6146

The Xeon Gold 6146 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 22,595 points. Launch price was $3,286.

Xeon W-2255

The Xeon W-2255 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,504 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6146 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-2255 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon Gold 6146 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6146 versus 4.7 GHz on the Xeon W-2255 — a 11.2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2255 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6146 is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6146 scores 22,595 against the Xeon W-2255's 22,504 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6146. L3 cache: 24.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6146 vs 19.25 MB on the Xeon W-2255.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6146	Xeon W-2255
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+20%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.7 GHz+12%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.7 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	24.75 MB+29%	19.25 MB
L2 Cache	12 MB	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	22,595	22,504

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 6146 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2255 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.