Xeon W-1290TE vs Xeon W-2135

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 W-1290TE vs Xeon W-2135 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 W-1290TE vs Xeon W-2135: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon W-1290TE

2020

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅+142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 140W, a 105W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics P630, while Xeon W-2135 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $552 MSRP, while Xeon W-2135 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon W-2135

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,396 vs 14,505).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 20 MB).
❌300% higher power demand at 140W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Xeon W-1290TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1290TE better than Xeon W-2135?

Yes. Xeon W-1290TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-1290TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Xeon W-1290TE is the better buy right now. Xeon W-1290TE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $552 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 W-1290TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017), 142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon W-1290TE vs Xeon W-2135 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon W-1290TE

The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.

Xeon W-2135

The Xeon W-2135 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,396 points. Launch price was $835.

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Processing Power

The Xeon W-1290TE packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon W-2135 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W-1290TE has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2135 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon W-1290TE uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-2135 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W-1290TE scores 14,505 against the Xeon W-2135's 14,396 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2135.

Feature	Xeon W-1290TE	Xeon W-2135
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	4.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.7 GHz+106%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+142%	8.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB (per core)+300%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	14,505	14,396
Geekbench 6 Single	2,507	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,478	—

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon W-1290TE uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2135 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon W-1290TE	Xeon W-2135
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-1290TE) / not specified (Xeon W-2135). The Xeon W-1290TE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics P630), while the Xeon W-2135 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation.