Intel Processors Buyers Guide
What is an Intel CPU / Processor ?
Serving as the brain of any PC, the Central Processing Unit, or the CPU, is one of the most important components to consider when buying or building a new DESKTOP COMPUTER. Intel is undoubtedly the biggest player in this market and in this buyer's guide we'll provide an overview of the key Intel desktop CPU families with suggestions of which to choose depending on your needs and usage – from simple web browsing right through to content creation and gaming Another thing to consider when choosing the right CPU is making sure you choose a compatible motherboard and we'll indicate this for each processor family as we go through them. Intel is constantly updating their product range which could make it confusing to know if you're buying the latest and greatest version.
The easiest way to tell is to look at what architecture the processor is, this essentially refers to the generation of that product which you'll always find in the product description and in this buyers guide we'll highlight which is the latest architecture for each processor family.
Core or Xeon?
Intel has three main ranges of CPU, each aimed at different uses.
Intel Core CPUs are optimised for gaming and content creation plus everyday office applications. Continue following this guide if you’re building a PC for these sorts of tasks.
In contrast, Intel Xeon W CPUs are optimised for professional workstations running the most demanding applications. Follow the link to see what sets Xeon W processors apart from their Core counterparts.
Finally, Intel Xeon CPUs are designed for servers running the most demanding business applications, plus AI and HPC workloads. Follow the link to see what sets XEON SERVER PROCESSORS apart from their desktop counterparts.
Intel Desktop Processors
Intel desktop CPUs are split into the following ranges.
Intel Core Ultra 9
You really can’t go wrong with a Core Ultra 9 processor, these are Intel’s fastest and most advanced desktop processors. The latest Arrow Lake Ultra 9 CPUs feature a hybrid architecture with eight P-cores and 16 E-cores for superb performance in games, intensive content creation applications and are also great for multitasking. They also include a dedicated NPU for accelerating AI applications.
Earlier high-end Intel desktop CPUs were known as Core i9 and lack hardware accelerated AI.
| Gaming | 10 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 10 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 10 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 10 | |||||||||
Latest generationArrow Lake
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z890
3XS recommendsIntel Core Ultra 9 285K
Intel Core Ultra 7
Moving down the range to Core Ultra 7, these processors still provide high-end performance and features. Compared to the more powerful Core Ultra 9 CPUs, Core Ultra 7s have the same eight P-cores, but have 12 E-cores so aren’t quite as capable for content creation workloads or when multitasking. They also include a dedicated NPU for accelerating AI applications.
Earlier high-end Intel desktop CPUs were known as Core i7 and lack hardware accelerated AI.
| Gaming | 8 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 8 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 8 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 8 | |||||||||
Latest generationArrow Lake
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z890
3XS recommendsIntel Core Ultra 7 265K
Intel Core Ultra 5
Core Ultra 5 is Intel’s brand for its mid-range processors. Core Ultra 5s have six P-cores, two less than a Core Ultra 7 and eight E-cores, four less than a Core Ultra 7. While Core Ultra 5s are significantly slower than Core Ultra 5 7 for multithreaded tasks they are a great choice for a mid-range gaming PC. They also include a dedicated NPU for accelerating AI applications.
Earlier mid-range Intel desktop CPUs were known as Core i5 and lack hardware accelerated AI.
| Gaming | 6 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 6 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 6 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 6 | |||||||||
Latest generationArrow Lake
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z890
3XS recommendsIntel Core Ultra 5 245K
Intel Core i3 Processors
Core i3 is Intel’s brand for its highest spec entry-level processors. The latest 13th generation Core i3s have the same P-cores as Core i5, but only four of them. They also lack E-cores, so are significantly slower for intensive tasks such as content creation and multitasking. However, Core i3 CPUs are still a good choice for an entry-level gaming PC.
| Gaming | 4 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 4 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 4 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 4 | |||||||||
Latest generation13th gen, Raptor Lake architecture
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z790, Z760, H770, B760, H670, B660, H610
3XS recommendsIntel Core i3 13100
Intel Pentium Processors
Pentium is Intel’s brand for one its entry-level processors. The latest 12th generation Pentiums have the same P-cores as Core i3, but only two of them. Like, Core i3s, Pentiums also lack E-cores, so are not optimal for intensive tasks such as gaming, content creation and multitasking. However, Pentium CPUs are still a good choice for every day office applications.
| Gaming | 2 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 2 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 2 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 2 | |||||||||
Latest generation12th gen, Alder Lake architecture
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z690, H670, B660, H610
3XS recommendsIntel Pentium G7400
Intel Celeron Processors
Celeron is Intel’s other brand for its entry-level processors. The latest 12th generation Celerons have the same P-cores as Pentium, but do not support HyperThreading so only really suited for basic office applications.
| Gaming | 1 | |||||||||
| Streaming | 1 | |||||||||
| Content Creation | 1 | |||||||||
| Multitasking | 1 | |||||||||
Latest generation:12th gen, Alder Lake architecture
Compatible motherboard chipsetsIntel Z690, H670, B660, H610
3XS recommendsIntel Celeron G6900
Summary
Still not sure which Intel CPU is right for you? This table shows the key characteristics, rated out of 10, of the main processor families.
| CORE Ultra 9 | CORE Ultra 7 | CORE Ultra 5 | CORE I3 | PENTIUM | CELERON | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Streaming | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Content Creation | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Multitasking | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
We hope you've found this buyers guide helpful. Don't hesitate to speak to one of our friendly advisors for more advice if you still have questions on how to select the perfect CPU for your needs.
How to understand the names of Intel CPUs
In addition, to the named ranges of CPU, i.e. Core Ultra 9, Ultra 7 etc, Intel uses a string of numbers and letters to differentiate individual CPUs. This illustration will help you to decipher this alphabet soup.
Entry-Level CPUs
The naming scheme for Pentium and Celeron CPUs is a bit different as illustrated below.
For reference, here are the full specifications of all the latest Intel desktop CPUs.
| Series |
|---|
| Model |
| Generation |
Architecture |
| Socket |
| P-cores / Threads |
| E-cores / Threads |
| Base Frequency |
| Turbo Frequency |
| Level 3 Cache |
|
Memory
Controller |
| Maximum Memory |
| DDR5 Memory Frequency |
| DDR4 Memory Frequency |
| PCIe 5.0 / 4.0 / 3.0 Lanes |
| Integrated GPU |
| Integrated NPU |
| TDP |
| CORE ULTRA 9 & I9 | CORE ULTRA 7 & I7 | CORE ULTRA 5 & I5 | Core i3 | Pentium | Celeron | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285K | 14900KS | 14900K | 14900KF | 14900 | 14900F | 13900KS | 13900K | 13900KF | 13900 | 13900F | 12900KS | 12900K | 12900KF | 12900 | 12900F | 265K | 265KF | 14700K | 14700KF | 14700 | 14700F | 13700K | 13700KF | 13700 | 13700F | 12700K | 12700KF | 12700 | 12700F | 245K | 245KF | 14600K | 14600KF | 14500 | 14400 | 14400F | 13600K | 13600KF | 13600 | 13500 | 13400 | 13400F | 12600K | 12600KF | 12600 | 12500 | 12400 | 12400F | 14100 | 14100F | 13100 | 13100F | 12300 | 12100 | 12100F | G7400 | G6900 |
| 2nd series | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 2nd series | 2nd series | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 2nd series | 2nd series | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 13th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 14th | 14th | 13th | 13th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th | 12th |
| Arrow Lake | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Arrow Lake | Arrow Lake | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Arrow Lake | Arrow Lake | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake Refresh | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake |
| LGA1851 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | LGA1851 | LGA1851 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | LGA1851 | LGA1851 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 | S1700 |
| 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 | 6 / 6 | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 16 / 16 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 12 / 12 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
| 3.7GHz | TBC | 3.2GHz | 3.2GHz | TBC | TBC | 3.2GHz | 3.0GHz | 3.0GHz | 2.0GHz | 2.0GHz | 3.4GHz | 3.2GHz | 3.2GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | 3.9GHz | 3.9GHz | 3.4GHz | 3.4GHz | TBC | TBC | 3.6GHz | 3.6GHz | 2.1GHz | 2.1GHz | 3.6GHz | 3.6GHz | 2.1GHz | 2.1GHz | 4.2GHz | 4.2GHz | 3.5GHz | 3.5GHz | TBC | TBC | TBC | 3.7GHz | 3.7GHz | 2.7GHz | 2.5GHz | 2.5GHz | 2.5GHz | 3.7GHz | 3.7GHz | 3.3GHz | 3.0GHz | 2.5GHz | 2.5GHz | TBC | TBC | 3.4GHz | 3.4GHz | 3.5GHz | 3.3GHz | 3.3GHz | 3.7GHz | 3.4GHz |
| 5.7GHz | 6.2GHz | 6.0GHz | 6.0GHz | 5.8GHz | 5.8GHz | 6.0GHz | 5.8GHz | 5.8GHz | 5.6GHz | 5.6GHz | 5.5GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.5GHz | 5.5GHz | 5.6GHz | 5.6GHz | 5.4GHz | 5.4GHz | 5.7GHz | 5.7GHz | 5.2GHz | 5.2GHz | 4.9GHz | 4.9GHz | 4.9GHz | 4.9GHz | 5.2GHz | 5.2GHz | 5.3GHz | 5.3GHz | 5.0GHz | 4.7GHz | 4.7GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.1GHz | 5.0GHz | 4.8GHz | 4.6GHz | 4.6GHz | 4.9GHz | 4.9GHz | 4.8GHz | 4.6GHz | 4.4GHz | 4.4GHz | 4.7GHz | 4.7GHz | 4.5GHz | 4.5GHz | 4.4GHz | 4.3GHz | 4.3GHz | ✖ | ✖ |
| 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 36MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 33MB | 33MB | 33MB | 33MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 30MB | 25MB | 25MB | 25MB | 25MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 20MB | 20MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 24MB | 20MB | 20MB | 20MB | 20MB | 18MB | 18MB | 18MB | 18MB | 12MB | 12MB | 12MB | 12MB | 12MB | 12MB | 12MB | 6MB | 4MB |
| Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
Dual- channel |
| 258GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 256GB | 256GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 256GB | 256GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 192GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 192GB | 192GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| 6,400MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 6,400MHz | 6,400MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 6,400MHz | 6,400MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,200MHz | 5,600MHz | 5,600MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz |
| ✖ | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | ✖ | ✖ | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | ✖ | ✖ | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | 3,200MHz | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| 20 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 20 / 4 / 0 | 20 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 20 / 4 / 0 | 20 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 | 16 / 4 / 0 |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ✓ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| 125W | 150W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 150W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 150W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 125W | 125W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 60W | 60W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 65W | 46W | 46W | 46W | 46W |
Intel Workstation Processors
Intel Core Ultra 9, Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Core Ultra 5 CPUs are still a valid choice for workstations, just bear in mind that performance and multitasking capabilities will decrease as you go down the ranges. For this reason, Intel also offer a range of dedicated workstation processors derived from its Xeon server range. These are termed Xeon W and provide greater reliability and security in a wide range of creative applications, with expanded platform capabilities for VFX, rendering, complex CAD, CAE and AI. To help users pick the most suitable Intel Xeon W processor, their chips are divided into several families.
Intel Xeon W-3500 Processors
Intel Xeon W-3500 processors are designed for high-end single-socket workstations, offering more cores, more memory capacity and bandwidth and more PCIe lanes that the Xeon W-2500 series. These processors are designed for heavily multithreaded, I/O-intensive workloads across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), media and entertainment (M&E), artificial intelligence (AI), oil & gas, and data sciences. Xeon W-3500 CPUs provide up to 60 cores and 120 threads, support for up to 4TB of 8-channel DDR5 ECC Registered memory and 112 lanes of PCIe 5.0 lanes for add-in cards and NVMe SSDs. The range comprises W5, W7 and W9 models, progressively adding in more cores as you go up the product stack.
| CAD | 10 | |||||||||
| CAE | 10 | |||||||||
| VFX | 10 | |||||||||
| RENDERING | 10 | |||||||||
| AI | 10 | |||||||||
LATEST ACHITECTURESapphire Rapids
COMPATIBLE MOTHERBOARDSW790
PREVIOUS GENERATIONXeon W-3400
Intel Xeon W-2500 Processors
Intel Xeon W-2500 processors are designed for high-end single-socket workstations, having fewer cores, less memory capacity and bandwidth and fewer PCIe lanes that the Xeon W-2500 series. These processors are designed for multithreaded, I/O-intensive workloads across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), media and entertainment (M&E), artificial intelligence (AI), oil & gas, and data sciences. Xeon W-2500 CPUs provide up to 26 cores and 52 threads, support for up to 2TB of 4-channel DDR5 ECC Registered memory and 64 lanes of PCIe 5.0 lanes for add-in cards and NVMe SSDs. The range comprises W3, W5 and W7 models, progressively adding in more cores as you go up the product stack.
| CAD | 8 | |||||||||
| CAE | 8 | |||||||||
| VFX | 8 | |||||||||
| RENDERING | 8 | |||||||||
| AI | 8 | |||||||||
LATEST ACHITECTURESapphire Rapids
COMPATIBLE MOTHERBOARDSW790
PREVIOUS GENERATIONIntel Xeon W-2400
Intel Xeon W-1200 Processors
Designed for mid-range workstations, Intel Xeon W processors provide thoroughbred performance with the built-in platform security features and reliability that professional users demand. A step up from desktop PC Core processors Xeon W processors support ECC memory technology to improve data integrity and system uptime.
The Xeon W-1200 family features up to 10 cores and 20 threads, support for up to 128GB of DDR4 ECC memory and 16 PCI-E 3.0 lanes for add-in cards and NVMe SSDs.
| CAD | 5 | |||||||||
| CAE | 5 | |||||||||
| VFX | 5 | |||||||||
| RENDERING | 5 | |||||||||
| AI | 5 | |||||||||
LATEST ACHITECTUREComet Lake
COMPATIBLE MOTHERBOARDSW480
PREVIOUS GENERATIONNot applicable – Xeon W-1200 is a new product range
Summary
Still not sure which Intel Xeon W CPU is right for you? This table shows the key characteristics, rated out of 10, and also the specifications of the main processor families.
| XEON W-3500 | XEON W-2500 | XEON W-1200 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RATINGS | |||
| CAD | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| CAE | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| VFX | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| RENDERING | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| AI | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| SPECS | |||
| Generation | 3rd | 3rd | 10th |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Comet Lake |
| Socket | 4677 | 4677 | 1200 |
| Maximum Cores / Threads | 60 / 120 | 26 / 52 | 10 / 20 |
| Base Frequency | 3.2GHz | 3.2GHz | 3.7GHz |
| Turbo Frequency | 4.8GHz | 3.5GHz | 5.3GHz |
| Cache | 105MB | 45MB | 20MB |
| Memory Controller | Eight-channel | Four-channel | Dual-channel |
| Maximum Memory | 4TB | 2TB ECC Reg | 128GB ECC |
| Memory Type | DDR5 ECC Registered | DDR5 ECC Registered | DDR 4 ECC |
| Memory Frequency | 4,800MHz | 4,800MHz | 2,933MHz |
| PCIe 5.0 / 4.0 / 3.0 lanes | 112 / 0 / 0 | 64 / 0 / 0 | 64 / 0 / 0 |
| Integrated GPU | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Maximum TDP | 420W | 270W | 125W |