Xeon Max 9480 vs Xeon w9-3575X

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 Max 9480 vs Xeon w9-3575X 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 Max 9480 vs Xeon w9-3575X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Xeon Max 9480

2023

Why buy it

✅+184.7% higher Geekbench multi-core.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w9-3575X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.4 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($12,980 MSRP vs $3,789 MSRP).

Xeon w9-3575X

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $9,191 less on MSRP ($3,789 MSRP vs $12,980 MSRP).
✅Delivers 240.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$ ($3,789 MSRP vs $12,980 MSRP).
✅Draws 340W instead of 350W, a 10W reduction.
✅40% more PCIe lanes (112 vs 80) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (19,320 vs 55,000).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w9-3575X better than Xeon Max 9480?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon w9-3575X is ahead with a 18.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Max 9480 pulls ahead with 184.7% better Geekbench multi-core.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Max 9480 is the stronger fit. You are getting 184.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 56 cores and 112 threads.

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

Xeon w9-3575X is the better buy right now. Xeon w9-3575X comes in $9,191 cheaper on MSRP at $3,789 MSRP versus $12,980 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Max 9480 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 184.7% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 240.9% better value on MSRP (21.8 vs 6.4 PassMark/$), 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 w9-3575X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2023). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon Max 9480 vs Xeon w9-3575X Technical Specifications

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

Xeon Max 9480

The Xeon Max 9480 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture. It features 56 cores and 112 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 112.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,913 points. Launch price was $12,980.

Xeon w9-3575X

The Xeon w9-3575X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 44 cores and 88 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 97.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 340 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 82,507 points. Launch price was $3,789.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Max 9480 packs 56 cores / 112 threads, while the Xeon w9-3575X offers 44 cores / 88 threads — the Xeon Max 9480 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Max 9480 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3575X — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Xeon w9-3575X (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Xeon Max 9480 uses the Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon w9-3575X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Max 9480 scores 82,913 against the Xeon w9-3575X's 82,507 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon Max 9480. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,900 vs 2,300, a 19% lead for the Xeon w9-3575X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 55,000 vs 19,320 (96% advantage for the Xeon Max 9480). L3 cache: 112.5 MB on the Xeon Max 9480 vs 97.5 MB on the Xeon w9-3575X.

Feature	Xeon Max 9480	Xeon w9-3575X
Cores / Threads	56 / 112+27%	44 / 88
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.8 GHz+37%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.2 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	112.5 MB+15%	97.5 MB
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture	Sapphire Rapids HBM (2023)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	82,913	82,507
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	60,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,900	2,300+21%
Geekbench 6 Multi	55,000+185%	19,320

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 4096 GB of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Max 9480) vs 112 (Xeon w9-3575X) — the Xeon w9-3575X offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Max 9480) and W790 (Xeon w9-3575X).

Feature	Xeon Max 9480	Xeon w9-3575X
Socket	LGA4677	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	4096 GB	4096 GB
RAM Channels	8	8
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	80	112+40%

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Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w9-3575X 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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Max 9480) vs true (Xeon w9-3575X). Primary use case: Xeon Max 9480 targets HPC Server. Direct competitor: Xeon Max 9480 rivals EPYC 9684X; Xeon w9-3575X rivals Ryzen Threadripper 7970X.

Feature	Xeon Max 9480	Xeon w9-3575X
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	HPC Server	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon Max 9480 was priced at $12980, while the Xeon w9-3575X came in at $3789. On launch pricing ($12980 vs $3789), Xeon w9-3575X was $9191 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Max 9480 delivers 6.4 pts/$ vs 21.8 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3575X — making the Xeon w9-3575X the 109.3% better value option.

Feature	Xeon Max 9480	Xeon w9-3575X
MSRP	$12980	$3789-71%
Performance per Dollar	6.4	21.8+241%
Release Date	2023	2024

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