Xeon Gold 6426Y vs Xeon w5-2455X
Xeon Gold 6426Y
Xeon w5-2455X
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 6426Y
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w5-2455X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,145) | ✅ More affordable ($1,049) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+100%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,145) | ✅ More affordable ($1,049) |
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 6426Y and Xeon w5-2455X
Xeon Gold 6426Y
The Xeon Gold 6426Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 37,944 points. Launch price was $1,517.
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 6426Y packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon w5-2455X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6426Y has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6426Y versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2455X (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6426Y scores 37,944 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 2.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6426Y. L3 cache: 37.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6426Y vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB+25% | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 37,944+2% | 37,109 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6426Y supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 2048 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2455X). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2455X) — the Xeon Gold 6426Y offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA4677 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096+100% | 2048 |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+25% | 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 6426Y rivals EPYC 8124P; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | 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 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6426Y launched at $2145 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-2455X debuted at $1039.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6426Y | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2145 | $1039-52% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $1049 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
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