Xeon Gold 5217
CPU·Entry

Xeon Gold 5217

Intel

PassMark

15,429

2 April 2019 (6 years ago)
115 Watt
Cascade Lake (2019−2020)

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.

Overview

The Xeon Gold 5217 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 15,429 points. Launch price was $1,522.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 5217

#143
Xeon W-1350P
MSRP: $311|Avg: $250
102%
#145
Xeon 6511P
MSRP: $815|Avg: $815
102%
#151
Xeon Gold 5217
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#153
EPYC 7303P
MSRP: $594|Avg: $594
100%
#155
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX
MSRP: $799|Avg: $999
99%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 5217 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 5217 is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 11 MB of L3 cache, plus 8 MB of L2 cache and 512 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 15,429, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,041, while multi-core reaches 8,232.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5217
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCascade Lake (2019−2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores11 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data8 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache512 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)79 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score15,429
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming1,041
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance8,232
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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Gold 5217 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2667 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2667 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 1024 GB across 6 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5217
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorserver
SeriesProduct familyIntel Xeon Gold
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA3647
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion48
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-2667
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2667
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory1024 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel6
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUC621,C622,C624,C627,C628
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers4 (Multiprocessor)
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Advanced Features

The Xeon Gold 5217 is primarily designed for Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationXeon Gold 5217
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryServer
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x / VT-d / EPT
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon Gold 5217 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 115 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: LGA3647 Industrial.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5217
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload115 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)79 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLGA3647 Industrial
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #992 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationXeon Gold 5217
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$1,522
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#992
Release DateLaunch date2 April 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

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