Xeon w5-2455X vs Xeon Gold 6346
Xeon w5-2455X
Xeon Gold 6346
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 w5-2455X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6346
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,049) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+106%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,049) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,195) |
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 w5-2455X and Xeon Gold 6346
Xeon w5-2455X
The Xeon w5-2455X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 37,109 points. Launch price was $1,039.
Xeon Gold 6346
The Xeon Gold 6346 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 37,739 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-2455X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6346 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6346 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6346 — a 24.4% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2455X (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon w5-2455X uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-2455X scores 37,109 against the Xeon Gold 6346's 37,739 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6346. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X vs 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6346.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 32+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+28% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+3% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 37,109 | 37,739+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-2455X uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6346 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6346 — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6346 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 2048 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w5-2455X) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6346). Both provide 64 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-2455X) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6346).
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 6144+200% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64 | 64 |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-2455X 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 w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X; Xeon Gold 6346 rivals EPYC 73F3.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-2455X launched at $1039 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6346 debuted at $2708. At current prices ($1049 vs $2195), the Xeon w5-2455X is $1146 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-2455X delivers 35.4 pts/$ vs 17.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6346 — making the Xeon w5-2455X the 69.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Xeon Gold 6346 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1039-62% | $2708 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1049-52% | $2195 |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.4+106% | 17.2 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
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