CPU
GPU
Xeon w3-2525
Ryzen 7 260
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 w3-2525
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 260
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($70) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1031%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($70) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon w3-2525 and Ryzen 7 260
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.
Ryzen 7 260
The Ryzen 7 260 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon w3-2525 and Ryzen 7 260 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon w3-2525 versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 260 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 260 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Xeon w3-2525 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses Hawk Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w3-2525 scores 28,641 against the Ryzen 7 260's 28,339 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon w3-2525. L3 cache: 22.5 MB on the Xeon w3-2525 vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 260.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.8 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 22.5 MB+41% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Hawk Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 28,641+1% | 28,339 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 15,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w3-2525 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4400 memory speed. The Ryzen 7 260 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w3-2525) vs 2 (Ryzen 7 260). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon w3-2525) vs 20 (Ryzen 7 260) — the Xeon w3-2525 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4400 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 TB+3100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+220% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w3-2525) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 260). The Ryzen 7 260 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Xeon w3-2525 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon w3-2525 targets Workstation, Ryzen 7 260 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Xeon w3-2525 rivals Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w3-2525 launched at $609 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 260 debuted at $199. At current prices ($800 vs $70), the Ryzen 7 260 is $730 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w3-2525 delivers 35.8 pts/$ vs 404.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 260 — making the Ryzen 7 260 the 167.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w3-2525 | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $609 | $199-67% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $800 | $70-91% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.8 | 404.8+1031% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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