Xeon Platinum 8280 vs Xeon E7-8857 v2
Xeon Platinum 8280
Xeon E7-8857 v2
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 8280
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E7-8857 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($2,940) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-SP (2018) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($2,940) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
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 8280 and Xeon E7-8857 v2
Xeon Platinum 8280
The Xeon Platinum 8280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,830 points. Launch price was $10,009.
Xeon E7-8857 v2
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,304 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon Platinum 8280 packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8280 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8280 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Xeon Platinum 8280 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Platinum 8280 is built on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon Platinum 8280 scores 36,830 against the Xeon E7-8857 v2's 36,304 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8280. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8280 vs 30 MB on the Xeon E7-8857 v2.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56+133% | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+11% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 38.5 MB (total)+28% | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake-SP (2018) | — |
| PassMark | 36,830+1% | 36,304 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Platinum 8280 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Platinum 8280 versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — the Xeon Platinum 8280 supports 58.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 1536 of RAM. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Platinum 8280) vs 4 (Xeon E7-8857 v2). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Platinum 8280) vs 40 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) — the Xeon Platinum 8280 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA3647 (Xeon Platinum 8280) and C602J (Xeon E7-8857 v2).
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933+83% | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536 | 1536 |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+20% | 40 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Platinum 8280 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8280 rivals EPYC 7702; Xeon E7-8857 v2 rivals Xeon E7-4850 v2.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Platinum 8280 launched at $10009 MSRP, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 debuted at $3838. At current prices ($2940 vs $2995), the Xeon Platinum 8280 is $55 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Platinum 8280 delivers 12.5 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — making the Xeon Platinum 8280 the 3.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Platinum 8280 | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $10009 | $3838-62% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2940-2% | $2995 |
| Performance per Dollar | 12.5+3% | 12.1 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2014 |
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