Xeon w5-3425 vs Xeon Platinum 8280
Xeon w5-3425
Xeon Platinum 8280
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 w5-3425
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Platinum 8280
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($1,189) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-SP (2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+143%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($1,189) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,940) |
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 w5-3425 and Xeon Platinum 8280
Xeon w5-3425
The Xeon w5-3425 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): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.
Xeon Platinum 8280
The Xeon Platinum 8280 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2018 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-SP (2018) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 36,830 points. Launch price was $10,009.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-3425 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8280 offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8280 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — a 14% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-3425 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon w5-3425 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 uses Cascade Lake-SP (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3425 scores 36,178 against the Xeon Platinum 8280's 36,830 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8280. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon w5-3425 vs 38.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 28 / 56+133% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+15% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+19% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | 38.5 MB (total)+28% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Cascade Lake-SP (2018) |
| PassMark | 36,178 | 36,830+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-3425 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8280 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 2933 on the Xeon Platinum 8280 — the Xeon Platinum 8280 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3425 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 1536 — 90.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 6 (Xeon Platinum 8280). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 48 (Xeon Platinum 8280) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3425) and LGA3647 (Xeon Platinum 8280).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 2933+58560% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+279620167% | 1536 |
| RAM Channels | 8+33% | 6 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+133% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon Platinum 8280 rivals EPYC 7702.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-3425 launched at $1189 MSRP, while the Xeon Platinum 8280 debuted at $10009. At current prices ($1189 vs $2940), the Xeon w5-3425 is $1751 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-3425 delivers 30.4 pts/$ vs 12.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Platinum 8280 — making the Xeon w5-3425 the 83.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Xeon Platinum 8280 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1189-88% | $10009 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1189-60% | $2940 |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.4+143% | 12.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2019 |
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