Xeon Gold 6330N vs Xeon w5-2455X

Intel

Xeon Gold 6330N

28 Cores56 Thrd165 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 6330N 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 6330N 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 6330N 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 6330N

2021

Why buy it

  • +40% larger total L3 cache (42 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Draws 165W instead of 200W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2455X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (36,360 vs 37,109).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.2 vs 35.7 PassMark/$ ($2,389 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: +21.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,350 less on MSRP ($1,039 MSRP vs $2,389 MSRP).
  • Delivers 134.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.7 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($1,039 MSRP vs $2,389 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 42 MB).
  • 21.2% higher power demand at 200W vs 165W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2455X better than Xeon Gold 6330N?
Yes. Xeon w5-2455X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.1% 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 21.1% 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 2.1% 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 $1,350 cheaper on MSRP at $1,039 MSRP versus $2,389 MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 134.7% better value on MSRP (35.7 vs 15.2 PassMark/$), 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), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 28/56. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon Gold 6330N vs Xeon w5-2455X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon Gold 6330N

The Xeon Gold 6330N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 42 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 36,360 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 6330N packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the Xeon w5-2455X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6330N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6330N 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 w5-2455X is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6330N scores 36,360 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 2% lead for the Xeon w5-2455X. L3 cache: 42 MB on the Xeon Gold 6330N vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X.

FeatureXeon Gold 6330NXeon w5-2455X
Cores / Threads
28 / 56+133%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.6 GHz+35%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
3.2 GHz+45%
L3 Cache
42 MB+40%
30 MB
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark
36,360
37,109+2%
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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 6330N 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 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6330N versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6330N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6330N) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2455X). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6330N) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).

FeatureXeon Gold 6330NXeon w5-2455X
Socket
LGA4189
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
2667
4800+80%
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 6330N rivals EPYC 7413; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.

FeatureXeon Gold 6330NXeon 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 6330N was priced at $2389, while the Xeon w5-2455X came in at $1039. On launch pricing ($2389 vs $1039), Xeon w5-2455X was $1350 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6330N delivers 15.2 pts/$ vs 35.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2455X — making the Xeon w5-2455X the 80.5% better value option.

FeatureXeon Gold 6330NXeon w5-2455X
MSRP
$2389
$1039-57%
Performance per Dollar
15.2
35.7+135%
Release Date
2021
2023

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