Xeon Gold 5218
Intel
PassMark
21,586
MSRP
$1273
AVG Price
$500
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 5218 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 21,586 points. Launch price was $1,273.
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 Gold 5218
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon Gold 5218 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon Gold 5218 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 5218 is a 16-core / 32-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 22 MB of L3 cache, plus 16 MB of L2 cache and 1 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 21,586, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5218 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 16C / 32T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 22 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 16 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 1 MB |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 87 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 21,586 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5218 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 2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 across 6 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5218 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Xeon Gold |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA3647 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 48 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-2667 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | 2666 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 768 |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 6 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | C621 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 4 (Multiprocessor) |
Advanced Features
It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5218 |
|---|---|
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ✅ Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon Gold 5218 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 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 Server Grade.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5218 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 125 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 87 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | LGA3647 Server Grade |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $500 (MSRP: $1273), the Xeon Gold 5218 delivers 43 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #705 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon Gold 5218 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $1273 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $500 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $1,273 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #705 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2 April 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Xeon Gold 5218
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Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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