Intel Xeon 6736P vs Intel Xeon w5-2565X Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a clear split: the Intel Xeon 6736P is the heavy-throughput processor for multi-threaded, data-intensive server workloads, while the Intel Xeon w5-2565X is the higher-frequency workstation part for single-thread and lightly-parallel tasks. The w5-2565X wins 10 of the 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, but the 6736P takes the more decisive victories where core count and cache matter most.

For a dual-socket-capable server environment (Socket 4710) with data compression, encryption, prime-number finding, or physics simulation needs, the 36-core 6736P is the correct choice. Its 149.1% lead in PassMark physics and 79.8% lead in prime-number finding demonstrate overwhelming superiority in specific parallel workloads. The w5-2565X, with its 18 cores and higher clocks, suits single-threaded responsiveness and lightly-threaded workstation tasks, but it sits in a different performance class on multi-core administrative work.

The benchmark averages tell a similar story: the 6736P posts an average score of 87864 across all tests, while the w5-2565X records 80671. However, the w5-2565X holds the single-thread crown by a massive 43.7% in passmark_single_thread. Pick the 6736P for core-count scaling; pick the w5-2565X for raw per-core speed and overclocking headroom.

Where Each One Wins

The data splits into four clear performance domains.

Physics and scientific simulation: The 6736P dominates the PassMark physics test with a score of 6531 versus 2622 for the w5-2565X, a 149.1% advantage. This is the single largest margin in the entire comparison, indicating a massive advantage in physics calculations that scale with core count.

Data processing and security: The 6736P wins data compression (796658 vs 726133, 9.7% ahead), data encryption (46236 vs 36365, 27.1% ahead), and integer math (206833 vs 189446, 9.2% ahead). Prime number finding shows the widest gap after physics: 392 vs 218, a 79.8% difference.

Single-threaded and legacy single-core tasks: The w5-2565X wins every single-core test by exactly 3.5%. This consistent margin across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core tests, plus the 43.7% lead in PassMark single-thread (3595 vs 2024), confirms its clock-speed advantage at 4.80 GHz boost versus 4.10 GHz.

Modern rendering and multithread: The w5-2565X edges out the 6736P in all three Cinebench multicore tests (R15 4446 vs 4290, R20 18527 vs 17875, R23 44112 vs 42561), each by 3.5%. It also wins PassMark multithread at 51897 vs 50072, again by 3.5%. This suggests a fundamental architectural efficiency advantage per core, despite having half the cores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different Intel server generations and process nodes. The 6736P uses Granite Rapids (Xeon 6) built on a 5 nm process, with a die size of 598 mm². The w5-2565X uses Sapphire Rapids (Xeon W) on a 10 nm process. This process difference explains why the 6736P packs 36 cores and 72 threads within a 205 W TDP, while the w5-2565X manages only 18 cores and 36 threads at a higher 240 W TDP.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The 6736P provides 144 MB of shared L3 cache, while the w5-2565X has only 37.5 MB of L3. Per-core L1 is higher on the Granite Rapids part: 112 KB per core versus 80 KB per core. Both have 2 MB L2 per core. The massive L3 difference (144 MB vs 37.5 MB) explains the 6736P's wins in data compression and encryption, where larger working sets stay on-die.

Memory channels differ: the 6736P uses eight-channel DDR5 with 409.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the w5-2565X uses quad-channel DDR5 at 153.6 GB/s. This is a 2.67-fold bandwidth advantage for the 6736P, directly supporting integer and floating-point math workloads.

PCIe also differs: the 6736P provides 88 Gen 5 lanes, the w5-2565X provides 64 Gen 5 lanes. The 6736P uses an unlocked multiplier (false), while the w5-2565X is multiplier-unlocked (true), meaning overclocking is only possible on the latter.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores, and by how much?

A: The Intel Xeon 6736P has 36 cores and 72 threads. The Intel Xeon w5-2565X has 18 cores and 36 threads. That is exactly double the core and thread count for the 6736P.

Q: Is the w5-2565X the better overall performer?

A: It wins 10 of 17 head-to-head comparisons, but its average benchmark score is lower at 80671 versus 87864 for the 6736P. The w5-2565X wins consistently in Cinebench and single-thread tests, but the 6736P wins in data-heavy server workloads like encryption (27.1% ahead) and physics (149.1% ahead).

Q: What is the difference in TDP and launch MSRP?

A: The 6736P has a TDP of 205 W and a launch MSRP of $3351. The w5-2565X has a TDP of 240 W and a launch MSRP of $1339.

Q: Can the 6736P be overclocked?

A: No. The multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked false) on the 6736P. The w5-2565X has an unlocked multiplier, meaning the user can adjust the clock multiplier for overclocking.

Q: Which processor has more memory bandwidth?

A: The 6736P has substantially more: 409.6 GB/s over an eight-channel DDR5 bus, versus 153.6 GB/s over a quad-channel DDR5 bus for the w5-2565X.

Q: Are both processors currently in production?

A: Yes, both are listed as Active production status. The 6736P was released on 2025-02-23, while the w5-2565X was released on 2024-08-23.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The w5-2565X wins the three Cinebench multicore tests by an identical 3.5% margin in each: R15 multicore (4446 vs 4290), R20 multicore (18527 vs 17875), and R23 multicore (44112 vs 42561). The same 3.5% margin appears in all three single-core tests: R15 (627 vs 605), R20 (2615 vs 2523), and R23 (6227 vs 6008). The w5-2565X also wins PassMark multithread (51897 vs 50072) by the same 3.5%, and extended instructions (58976 vs 55563) by 5.8%.

The 6736P wins with larger margins elsewhere. The greatest is physics: 6531 vs 2622, a 149.1% lead. Prime number finding shows 392 vs 218, a 79.8% lead. Random string sorting wins 103723 vs 74360, a 39.5% lead. Encryption wins 46236 vs 36365, a 27.1% lead. Data compression wins 796658 vs 726133, a 9.7% lead. Integer math wins 206833 vs 189446, a 9.2% lead. Floating-point math is nearly a tie, with the 6736P ahead by only 1.4% (149770 vs 147644).

The single-thread PassMark test is the most lopsided in the w5-2565X's favor: 3595 vs 2024, a 43.7% delta. That is a four-figure score gap that no other benchmark approaches. The w5-2565X clearly operates at a much higher per-core frequency for light workloads, matching its 4.80 GHz boost clock versus 4.10 GHz for the 6736P.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon 6736P | Intel Xeon w5-2565X |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 36 | 18 |

| Threads | 72 | 36 |

| Base clock | 2.00 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.10 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 205 W | 240 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 4710 | Intel Socket 4677 |

| Architecture / Codename | Granite Rapids | Sapphire Rapids |

| Generation | Xeon 6 (Granite Rapids-SP) | Xeon W (Sapphire Rapids) |

| Process node | 5 nm | 10 nm |

| Die size | 598 mm² | Not specified |

| L1 cache | 112 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 144 MB (shared) | 37.5 MB |

| Memory bus | Eight-channel DDR5 | Quad-channel DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | 409.6 GB/s | 153.6 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 88 lanes | Gen 5, 64 lanes |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Release date | 2025-02-23 | 2024-08-23 |

| Launch MSRP | $3351 | $1339 |

| Part number | SRVNW | SRN4E |

The 6736P has the larger die (598 mm² vs not specified), higher core count, more cache, more memory channels, and more PCIe lanes. The w5-2565X has the higher clock speeds, lower TDP, unlocked multiplier, and a smaller socket footprint (4677 vs 4710). Both support DDR5 and ECC memory, and both lack integrated graphics.