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 6346 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 6346 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 6346

2021

Why buy it

✅+1.7% higher PassMark.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2455X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.9 vs 35.7 PassMark/$ ($2,708 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: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,669 less on MSRP ($1,039 MSRP vs $2,708 MSRP).
✅Delivers 156.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.7 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($1,039 MSRP vs $2,708 MSRP).
✅Draws 200W instead of 205W, a 5W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (37,109 vs 37,739).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 36 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2455X better than Xeon Gold 6346?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon w5-2455X is ahead with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6346 pulls ahead with 1.7% better PassMark. Xeon Gold 6346 also has the bigger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6346 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (36 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 $1,669 cheaper on MSRP at $1,039 MSRP versus $2,708 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6346 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.7% better PassMark. It is also 156.3% better value on MSRP (35.7 vs 13.9 PassMark/$), 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 6346 vs Xeon w5-2455X Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Gold 6346

The Xeon Gold 6346 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,739 points. Launch price was $800.

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.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6346 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w5-2455X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6346 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X — a 24.4% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2455X (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6346 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 6346 scores 37,739 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6346. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346 vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6346	Xeon w5-2455X
Cores / Threads	16 / 32+33%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.6 GHz+28%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)+20%	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	37,739+2%	37,109

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 6346 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 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6346 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6346) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2455X). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Gold 6346) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).

Feature	Xeon Gold 6346	Xeon w5-2455X
Socket	LGA4189	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	3200	4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity	6144+200%	2048
RAM Channels	8+100%	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	64	64

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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 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6346	Xeon 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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Gold 6346 was priced at $2708, while the Xeon w5-2455X came in at $1039. On launch pricing ($2708 vs $1039), Xeon w5-2455X was $1669 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6346 delivers 13.9 pts/$ vs 35.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2455X — making the Xeon w5-2455X the 87.7% better value option.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6346	Xeon w5-2455X
MSRP	$2708	$1039-62%
Performance per Dollar	13.9	35.7+157%
Release Date	2021	2023

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