Xeon Gold 6342 vs Xeon w5-2555X
Xeon Gold 6342
Xeon w5-2555X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6342
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w5-2555X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,000) | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+165%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,000) | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon Gold 6342 and Xeon w5-2555X
Xeon Gold 6342
The Xeon Gold 6342 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 230 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 47,076 points. Launch price was $800.
Xeon w5-2555X
The Xeon w5-2555X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 252 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 47,638 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6342 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w5-2555X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon Gold 6342 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6342 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6342 is built on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6342 scores 47,076 against the Xeon w5-2555X's 47,638 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon w5-2555X. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6342 vs 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+71% | 14 / 28 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.8 GHz+37% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.3 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+7% | 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | — |
| PassMark | 47,076 | 47,638+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6342 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2555X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6342 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X — the Xeon w5-2555X supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6342 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 4096 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Gold 6342) vs 112 (Xeon w5-2555X) — the Xeon w5-2555X offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6342) and W790 (Xeon w5-2555X).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200 | 4800+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144+50% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 112+75% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-2555X 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 6342 rivals EPYC 7443; Xeon w5-2555X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| 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
The Xeon Gold 6342 launched at $2977 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-2555X debuted at $1069. At current prices ($3000 vs $1145), the Xeon w5-2555X is $1855 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6342 delivers 15.7 pts/$ vs 41.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2555X — making the Xeon w5-2555X the 90.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6342 | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2977 | $1069-64% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3000 | $1145-62% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.7 | 41.6+165% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2024 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon Gold 6342 and Xeon w5-2555X
