Xeon w5-2555X vs Xeon 6517P
Xeon w5-2555X
Xeon 6517P
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 w5-2555X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon 6517P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,195) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Granite Rapids (2024−2025) / Intel 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,195) |
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 w5-2555X and Xeon 6517P
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.
Xeon 6517P
The Xeon 6517P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 72 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4710. Thermal design power (TDP): 190 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 48,810 points. Launch price was $1,195.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-2555X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon 6517P offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon 6517P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X versus 4.2 GHz on the Xeon 6517P — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Xeon 6517P is built on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon w5-2555X scores 47,638 against the Xeon 6517P's 48,810 — a 2.4% lead for the Xeon 6517P. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X vs 72 MB (total) on the Xeon 6517P.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+14% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+3% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 72 MB (total)+113% |
| L2 Cache | — | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | — | Granite Rapids (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 47,638 | 48,810+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-2555X uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon 6517P uses LGA4710 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X versus 6400 on the Xeon 6517P — the Xeon 6517P supports 28.6% 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: 112 (Xeon w5-2555X) vs 88 (Xeon 6517P) — the Xeon w5-2555X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-2555X) and Granite Rapids-SP (Xeon 6517P).
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4710 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 6400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+27% | 88 |
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 w5-2555X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX; Xeon 6517P rivals EPYC 9554.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| 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 w5-2555X launched at $1069 MSRP, while the Xeon 6517P debuted at $1195. At current prices ($1145 vs $1195), the Xeon w5-2555X is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-2555X delivers 41.6 pts/$ vs 40.8 pts/$ for the Xeon 6517P — making the Xeon w5-2555X the 1.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon 6517P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1069-11% | $1195 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1145-4% | $1195 |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.6+2% | 40.8 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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