Xeon W-2195 vs Core i9-7960X
Xeon W-2195
Core i9-7960X
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 W-2195
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-7960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3594%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) |
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 W-2195 and Core i9-7960X
Xeon W-2195
The Xeon W-2195 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 27,977 points. Launch price was $2,553.
Core i9-7960X
The Core i9-7960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,020 points. Launch price was $1,699.
Processing Power
The Xeon W-2195 packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Core i9-7960X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon W-2195 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Xeon W-2195 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7960X — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-7960X (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon W-2195 scores 27,977 against the Core i9-7960X's 28,020 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-7960X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 21,000 vs 22,189 (5.5% advantage for the Core i9-7960X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,300 vs 1,394, a 7% lead for the Core i9-7960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2195 vs 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-7960X.
| Feature | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 18 / 36+13% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 2.8 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB (total)+13% | 22 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 27,977 | 28,020 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,000 | 22,189+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,300 | 1,394+7% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,002 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W-2195 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-7960X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2195 versus 2666 on the Core i9-7960X — the Core i9-7960X supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2195 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon W-2195) vs 44 (Core i9-7960X) — the Xeon W-2195 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C422 (Xeon W-2195) and X299 (Core i9-7960X).
| Feature | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | 2666+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 512 GB+419430300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+9% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-7960X 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, EPT (Xeon W-2195) vs true (Core i9-7960X). Primary use case: Xeon W-2195 targets Scientific Workstation / Data Analysis. Direct competitor: Xeon W-2195 rivals Ryzen Threadripper 1950X.
| Feature | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Scientific Workstation / Data Analysis | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W-2195 launched at $150 MSRP, while the Core i9-7960X debuted at $1699. At current prices ($5 vs $185), the Xeon W-2195 is $180 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W-2195 delivers 5595.4 pts/$ vs 151.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-7960X — making the Xeon W-2195 the 189.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W-2195 | Core i9-7960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-91% | $1699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-97% | $185 |
| Performance per Dollar | 5595.4+3593% | 151.5 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2017 |
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