Xeon W-3345 vs Xeon w5-2555X

Intel

Xeon W-3345

24 Cores48 Thrd250 WWMax: 4 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon w5-2555X

14 Cores28 Thrd252 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024
Similar parts
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Xeon W-3345 vs Xeon w5-2555X Performance Spectrum

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.

Xeon W-3345 vs Xeon w5-2555X 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-3345 vs Xeon w5-2555X: 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-3345

2021

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 250W instead of 252W, a 2W reduction.
  • 14.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 112) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2555X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 44.6 PassMark/$ ($2,499 MSRP vs $1,069 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Xeon w5-2555X moves to LGA4677 and DDR5.

Xeon w5-2555X

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,430 less on MSRP ($1,069 MSRP vs $2,499 MSRP).
  • Delivers 131.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.6 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($1,069 MSRP vs $2,499 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (47,638 vs 48,140).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2555X better than Xeon W-3345?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon w5-2555X is ahead with a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-3345 pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W-3345 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon w5-2555X is the better buy right now. Xeon w5-2555X comes in $1,430 cheaper on MSRP at $1,069 MSRP versus $2,499 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W-3345 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 131.3% better value on MSRP (44.6 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), 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 w5-2555X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Xeon W-3345 vs Xeon w5-2555X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon W-3345

The Xeon W-3345 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-W (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 250 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 48,140 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Xeon w5-2555X

The Xeon w5-2555X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 252 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 47,638 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Xeon W-3345 packs 24 cores / 48 threads, while the Xeon w5-2555X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon W-3345 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon W-3345 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon W-3345 is built on the Ice Lake-W (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon W-3345 scores 48,140 against the Xeon w5-2555X's 47,638 — a 1% lead for the Xeon W-3345. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Xeon W-3345 vs 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X.

FeatureXeon W-3345Xeon w5-2555X
Cores / Threads
24 / 48+71%
14 / 28
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.8 GHz+20%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)+7%
33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Ice Lake-W (2021)
PassMark
48,140+1%
47,638
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon W-3345 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon w5-2555X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the Xeon W-3345 versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X — the Xeon w5-2555X supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 4096 of RAM. Both feature 8-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 128 (Xeon W-3345) vs 112 (Xeon w5-2555X) — the Xeon W-3345 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3,C621A (Xeon W-3345) and W790 (Xeon w5-2555X).

FeatureXeon W-3345Xeon w5-2555X
Socket
LGA4189
LGA4677
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed
3200
4800+50%
Max RAM Capacity
4096
4096
RAM Channels
8
8
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
128+14%
112
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Advanced Features

Only the Xeon w5-2555X 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon W-3345 rivals Xeon Platinum 8362; Xeon w5-2555X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.

FeatureXeon W-3345Xeon w5-2555X
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon W-3345 was priced at $2499, while the Xeon w5-2555X came in at $1069. On launch pricing ($2499 vs $1069), Xeon w5-2555X was $1430 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W-3345 delivers 19.3 pts/$ vs 44.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2555X — making the Xeon w5-2555X the 79.3% better value option.

FeatureXeon W-3345Xeon w5-2555X
MSRP
$2499
$1069-57%
Performance per Dollar
19.3
44.6+131%
Release Date
2021
2024

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