
Xeon w5-2555X vs Xeon Gold 6444Y

Xeon w5-2555X

Xeon Gold 6444Y
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 Gold 6444Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,622) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+219%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,145) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,622) |
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 Gold 6444Y

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 Gold 6444Y
The Xeon Gold 6444Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 47,176 points. Launch price was $1,517.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-2555X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6444Y offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6444Y has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6444Y — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6444Y is built on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon w5-2555X scores 47,638 against the Xeon Gold 6444Y's 47,176 — a 1% lead for the Xeon w5-2555X. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X vs 45 MB on the Xeon Gold 6444Y.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28 | 16 / 32+14% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz+20% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 45 MB+33% |
| L2 Cache | — | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | — | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 47,638 | 47,176 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA4677 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X versus 5600 on the Xeon Gold 6444Y — the Xeon Gold 6444Y supports 15.4% 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 80 (Xeon Gold 6444Y) — the Xeon w5-2555X offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-2555X) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6444Y).
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 5600+17% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 8 | 8 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+40% | 80 |
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 Gold 6444Y rivals EPYC 9384X.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gold 6444Y debuted at $3622.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2555X | Xeon Gold 6444Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1069-70% | $3622 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1145 | — |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
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