Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 vs Intel Xeon W-2123 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 boosts to 4.00 GHz, while the Intel Xeon W-2123 boosts to 3.90 GHz. Both have the same 3.60 GHz base clock.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in multi-core Cinebench R23 performance?

A: The Xeon W-2123 scores 7189 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Xeon E3-1275 v5 scores 7065. This gives the W-2123 a 1.8% advantage in that workload.

Q: Which processor supports more memory channels?

A: The Xeon W-2123 supports quad-channel memory with a bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 is dual-channel with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 includes HD Graphics P530. The Xeon W-2123 has no integrated graphics according to the database.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each CPU?

A: The Xeon W-2123 has an average benchmark score of 2079, placing it in the 46th percentile of all CPUs. The Xeon E3-1275 v5 averages 2043, sitting at the 45th percentile.

Q: Which CPU has a larger physical die?

A: The Xeon W-2123 has a die size of 484 mm², versus 122 mm² for the Xeon E3-1275 v5. The E3-1275 v5 is built with 1,750 million transistors; the W-2123's transistor count is not recorded.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process and share the Skylake microarchitecture, but they diverge significantly in platform design. The Xeon W-2123 uses the Skylake-W codename and fits the Intel Socket 2066, while the Xeon E3-1275 v5 uses Skylake-DT and fits Socket 1151. This socket difference dictates the entire platform ecosystem around each chip.

The W-2123 is a high-end workstation part with a 484 mm² die, whereas the E3-1275 v5 is a more compact 122 mm² die with 1,750 million transistors. The W-2123's die size suggests a much larger physical implementation, though the transistor count is not listed in the database for that model. The L2 cache structure differs as well: the W-2123 allocates 1 MB of L2 per core, while the E3-1275 v5 provides 256 KB per core. The shared L3 cache is 8.25 MB on the W-2123 versus 8 MB on the E3-1275 v5.

Memory architecture separates these two more clearly. The W-2123 supports DDR4 only, through a quad-channel memory bus, yielding 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The E3-1275 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 through a dual-channel bus, capping at 34.1 GB/s. That is a substantial bandwidth gap for memory-intensive server workloads. PCIe lane allocation also differs: the W-2123 provides 48 lanes of Gen 3 PCIe from the CPU, while the E3-1275 v5 provides 16 lanes.

The E3-1275 v5 includes HD Graphics P530 integrated graphics, which the W-2123 lacks. This means the E3-1275 v5 can drive a display without a discrete GPU, while the W-2123 requires a separate graphics card. Both CPUs support ECC memory, both are end-of-life products, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates are recorded as August 2017 for the W-2123 and October 2015 for the E3-1275 v5.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data shows the Xeon W-2123 winning all six Cinebench tests against the Xeon E3-1275 v5, but by very narrow margins. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the W-2123 scores 724 versus 712 for the E3-1275 v5, a 1.7% difference. The single-core R15 test shows 102 versus 100, a 2% edge for the W-2123.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 3019 for the W-2123 and 2967 for the E3-1275 v5, a 1.8% gap. Single-core R20 gives 425 versus 418, again a 1.7% difference. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core scores are 7189 and 7065, a 1.8% margin, while single-core is 1014 versus 997, a 1.7% edge.

The pattern is consistent across every test: the W-2123 leads by roughly 1.7% to 2% in both single-core and multi-core workloads. The deltas are small enough that real-world differences would be difficult to perceive in most applications. The average benchmark scores reinforce this picture, with the W-2123 at 2079 and the E3-1275 v5 at 2043, a difference of about 1.8%. The percentile rankings are nearly identical as well: 46th for the W-2123 and 45th for the E3-1275 v5.

Neither processor shows a decisive advantage in raw compute performance. The W-2123's wins are consistent but narrow, suggesting that the architectural differences between the two platforms do not translate into large performance gaps in these specific Cinebench workloads. The E3-1275 v5's higher boost clock of 4.00 GHz versus 3.90 GHz does not overcome the W-2123's advantages in cache and memory bandwidth.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon W-2123 | Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 |

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

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 120 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 2066 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Codename | Skylake-W | Skylake-DT |

| Die Size | 484 mm² | 122 mm² |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 1,750 million |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 8.25 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 85.3 GB/s | 34.1 GB/s |

| PCIe Lanes | 48 (Gen 3) | 16 (Gen 3) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | HD Graphics P530 |

| Release Date | 2017-08-28 | 2015-10-18 |

| Launch MSRP | $294 | $350 |

The TDP difference is notable: the W-2123 draws 120 W versus 80 W for the E3-1275 v5. This reflects the larger die, quad-channel memory controller, and 48 PCIe lanes on the W-2123. The E3-1275 v5's lower power envelope makes it easier to cool in standard workstation chassis, while the W-2123 requires a more robust cooling solution. The launch MSRP for the W-2123 was $294, and the E3-1275 v5 launched at $350.

The Verdict

The data shows the Intel Xeon W-2123 as the faster processor in every recorded benchmark, but the margins are small. A 1.7% to 2% advantage in Cinebench tests means neither CPU offers a meaningful performance edge for most applications. The W-2123's wins are consistent, so users who need the last few percentage points of compute performance should choose it. However, the E3-1275 v5's 4.00 GHz boost clock and lower 80 W TDP make it a more efficient choice for systems where power consumption matters.

The real differentiators are platform features, not raw speed. The W-2123 provides quad-channel memory with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth, 48 PCIe lanes, and a larger 8.25 MB L3 cache. These features matter for memory-bound workloads, heavy I/O configurations, or systems with many expansion cards. The E3-1275 v5 offers dual-channel memory at 34.1 GB/s and 16 PCIe lanes, which is sufficient for simpler workstation builds but limits scalability.

The E3-1275 v5 includes integrated graphics, making it a self-contained solution for systems without a discrete GPU. The W-2123 lacks this feature entirely. The E3-1275 v5 also supports DDR3 memory, which could be relevant for users reusing existing RAM modules, though DDR4 support is present on both. The W-2123's larger die and higher TDP suggest a more complex silicon implementation, but the benchmark results do not show a correspondingly large performance benefit.

For users building a new system, the W-2123's platform advantages in memory bandwidth and PCIe capacity are the strongest reasons to choose it. For users prioritizing lower power draw, integrated graphics, or compatibility with existing DDR3 memory, the E3-1275 v5 is the more practical option. The performance difference between the two is negligible in the recorded Cinebench tests, so platform needs should drive the decision.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon W-2123 wins in memory bandwidth. With quad-channel DDR4 support and 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth, it is better suited for workloads that stream large datasets, such as database processing, virtualization hosts, or scientific computing. The 48 PCIe lanes also give it a clear advantage for systems with multiple GPUs, NVMe storage arrays, or high-speed networking cards. The larger L3 cache of 8.25 MB provides a slight edge in cache-sensitive workloads, and the benchmark data confirms it wins all six Cinebench tests, albeit narrowly.

The Xeon E3-1275 v5 wins in power efficiency. Its 80 W TDP is two-thirds that of the W-2123, making it easier to cool in compact workstations or servers with limited airflow. The integrated HD Graphics P530 means it can operate without a discrete GPU, saving both cost and power in display-only applications. Its support for DDR3 memory is a practical advantage for upgrades of older systems that already have DDR3 DIMMs. The higher boost clock of 4.00 GHz gives it a theoretical single-thread edge, though the recorded single-core Cinebench scores show the W-2123 ahead in practice.

For multi-GPU rendering, high-bandwidth storage, or memory-heavy virtualization, the W-2123 is the better fit. For a low-power file server, a compact workstation, or a system that must output video without a discrete card, the E3-1275 v5 serves better. The benchmark deltas are too small to favor one CPU on raw compute alone, so the choice comes down to platform priorities: the W-2123 for scalability and bandwidth, the E3-1275 v5 for efficiency and simplicity.