Xeon Platinum 8160 vs Xeon w3-2525
Xeon Platinum 8160
Xeon w3-2525
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 Platinum 8160
Performance Per Dollar Xeon w3-2525
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
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 Platinum 8160 and Xeon w3-2525
Xeon Platinum 8160
The Xeon Platinum 8160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,989 points. Launch price was $4,702.
Xeon w3-2525
The Xeon w3-2525 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 28,641 points. Launch price was $609.
Processing Power
The Xeon Platinum 8160 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w3-2525 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8160 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8160 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Xeon w3-2525 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8160 uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8160 scores 28,989 against the Xeon w3-2525's 28,641 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8160. L3 cache: 33 MB on the Xeon Platinum 8160 vs 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 48+200% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 33 MB+47% | 22.5 MB |
| L2 Cache | 24 MB+1100% | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 28,989+1% | 28,641 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8160 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w3-2525 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the Xeon Platinum 8160 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2525 — the Xeon Platinum 8160 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8160 supports up to 768 of RAM compared to 2 TB — 199% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Platinum 8160) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2525). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Platinum 8160) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2525) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Platinum 8160) and W790 (Xeon w3-2525).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+53220% | DDR5-4400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 | 2 TB+279620167% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 64+33% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8160 rivals EPYC 7451; Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8160 | Xeon w3-2525 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
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