Intel Xeon W-1290E vs Intel Xeon W-2150B Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon W-2150B wins every recorded benchmark against the Intel Xeon W-1290E. Across all six Cinebench tests, the W-2150B holds a consistent advantage of roughly 5%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the W-2150B scores 1750 against 1664 for the W-1290E, a 4.9% lead. The single-core R15 test shows the same pattern, with 246 versus 234, again a 4.9% margin.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the W-2150B posts 7294 in multi-core while the W-1290E reaches 6934, a 4.9% gap. Single-core R20 sees the W-2150B at 1029 versus 978, a 5% advantage. The newest render test, Cinebench R23, continues the trend: the W-2150B scores 17368 in multi-core against 16510, and 2452 in single-core against 2330. Both results represent 4.9% and 5% leads respectively.

These are not marginal wins. The deltas are remarkably consistent, hovering between 4.9% and 5% across every workload. This uniformity suggests a systematic advantage rather than workload-specific behavior. The W-2150B also has additional Geekbench data in the database: 8481 multi-core and 1314 single-core. The W-1290E has no Geekbench entries recorded, so a direct comparison there is not possible from the available measurements.

The average benchmark score tells a similar story. The W-2150B averages 4992 across all recorded tests, while the W-1290E averages 4775. That difference of roughly 4.5% aligns with the head-to-head deltas. Both processors sit at the 59th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy the same overall performance tier. The W-2150B sits at the top of that tier, while the W-1290E sits near the bottom.

Nearest rival data places each processor among different company. The W-1290E trades blows with the AMD EPYC 7252 (4772, 0.1% delta), the Intel Xeon E-2386G (4799, -0.5%), and the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (4807, -0.7%). The W-2150B instead aligns with the Intel Core i3-12300HE (4995, -0.1%), the Intel Core i7-1375PRE (4985, 0.1%), and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650G (5002, -0.2%). The W-2150B's rival cluster sits roughly 200 points higher on average than the W-1290E's cluster, reinforcing its performance edge.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same 14 nm process node from Intel, but they diverge sharply in almost every other architectural aspect. The W-1290E uses the Comet Lake architecture and fits into Intel Socket 1200. The W-2150B uses Skylake-W and requires Intel Socket 2066. These are fundamentally different platforms, and the socket distinction matters for system design.

Core counts are identical: both have 10 cores and 20 threads. The W-1290E clocks higher, with a 3.50 GHz base and 4.80 GHz boost, versus 3.00 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost for the W-2150B. Despite the clock disadvantage, the W-2150B wins every benchmark, indicating that its other architectural advantages more than compensate.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The W-1290E has 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with a 20 MB shared L3. The W-2150B also has 64 KB L1 per core, but doubles L2 to 1 MB per core, and its L3 is 13.75 MB shared. The larger per-core L2 likely contributes to the W-2150B's consistent lead in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

Memory architecture is another major split. The W-1290E uses dual-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s. The W-2150B uses quad-channel DDR4, doubling the channel count and nearly doubling bandwidth to 85.3 GB/s. This bandwidth advantage scales directly to multi-core render workloads that are memory-sensitive.

PCIe connectivity also differs significantly. The W-1290E provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU. The W-2150B provides 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, three times the expansion capacity. For workstation use cases with multiple accelerators or storage controllers, this is a decisive difference.

The W-1290E includes integrated graphics, specifically Intel UHD Graphics P630. The W-2150B has no integrated graphics at all, requiring a discrete GPU for display output. Both support ECC memory, which matters for server and workstation reliability.

Die size tells a story of manufacturing scale: the W-1290E measures 206 mm² while the W-2150B measures 484 mm², more than double the silicon area. The larger die accommodates the bigger L2 cache and the quad-channel memory controller. Thermal design power reflects this: the W-1290E is rated at 95 W, the W-2150B at 120 W.

Production status also differs. The W-1290E remains active, while the W-2150B is marked end-of-life. Release dates show the W-2150B launched in December 2017, while the W-1290E arrived in May 2020. The W-2150B is the older design, yet it still outperforms the newer part in every measured workload.

Where Each One Wins

The W-2150B wins everywhere the database records a comparison. All six Cinebench tests, both single-core and multi-core, go to the W-2150B. There are zero benchmark wins for the W-1290E in the head-to-head data. This is not a case of workload-dependent strengths; the W-2150B is simply faster across the board.

Single-core performance favors the W-2150B by 4.9% to 5%, depending on the Cinebench version. This is notable because the W-1290E has a higher boost clock (4.80 GHz versus 4.50 GHz). The W-2150B overcomes that clock gap, likely through its larger L2 cache reducing memory latency for hot data.

Multi-core performance follows the same pattern, with the W-2150B ahead by 4.9% across R15, R20, and R23. The quad-channel memory interface and higher TDP headroom support sustained all-core loads. The W-1290E's dual-channel memory becomes a bottleneck under heavy multi-threaded rendering.

The W-1290E does have qualitative advantages that the benchmark numbers do not capture. Its integrated graphics provide a display output without a discrete GPU, which simplifies system builds and troubleshooting. Its smaller die and lower TDP suggest lower power draw, though the database does not record wattage measurements. Its active production status means continued availability, whereas the W-2150B is end-of-life.

For PCIe expansion, the W-2150B offers 48 lanes versus 16. Any workload involving multiple GPUs, NVMe drives, or high-speed networking adapters will hit the W-1290E's lane limit far sooner. The W-2150B's quad-channel memory also doubles bandwidth, which benefits large dataset processing and virtualized workloads.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is conclusive: the Intel Xeon W-2150B outperforms the Intel Xeon W-1290E in every recorded test. The margins are consistent, ranging from 4.9% to 5% across single-core and multi-core Cinebench workloads. The W-2150B's average benchmark score of 4992 versus 4775 confirms the head-to-head results.

System builders should choose the W-2150B when maximum CPU performance is the priority. Its quad-channel memory, 48 PCIe lanes, and larger L2 cache make it the stronger workstation processor. The data shows it wins every rendering test despite its lower clock speeds, which indicates architectural superiority rather than clock advantage.

The W-1290E remains a valid choice for specific scenarios. Its integrated graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU. Its active production status ensures supply chain stability. Its lower TDP and smaller die suggest lower power consumption, though the database does not provide direct measurements. For systems that need ECC memory, display output, and modest expansion, the W-1290E is functional. But for raw compute performance, the W-2150B is the clear winner.

The W-2150B's end-of-life status is a practical concern. New systems may be harder to source, and long-term availability is uncertain. However, the benchmark data does not change: the W-2150B is the faster processor, period. Users who already own W-2150B platforms have no performance reason to switch. Users building new systems should weigh the W-2150B's performance lead against its discontinued status.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Xeon W-2150B wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 1750 in R15 versus 1664, 7294 in R20 versus 6934, and 17368 in R23 versus 16510. Each margin is 4.9%.

Q: Does the W-1290E win any benchmark?

A: No. The recorded head-to-head data shows zero wins for the W-1290E. The W-2150B wins all six Cinebench tests, with deltas between 4.9% and 5%.

Q: How do their memory systems differ?

A: The W-1290E uses dual-channel DDR4 with 46.9 GB/s bandwidth. The W-2150B uses quad-channel DDR4 with 85.3 GB/s. Both support ECC memory.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The W-1290E includes Intel UHD Graphics P630. The W-2150B has no integrated graphics and requires a discrete GPU.

Q: What is the core and thread count for each?

A: Both have 10 cores and 20 threads. Their cache configurations differ: the W-1290E has 256 KB L2 per core and 20 MB shared L3, while the W-2150B has 1 MB L2 per core and 13.75 MB shared L3.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The W-2150B provides 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU. The W-1290E provides 16. Both use PCIe Gen 3.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Xeon W-1290E | Intel Xeon W-2150B |

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

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.50 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 120 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Comet Lake | Skylake |

| Codename | Comet Lake | Skylake-W |

| Die Size | 206 mm² | 484 mm² |

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

| L3 Cache | 20 MB (shared) | 13.75 MB (shared) |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 46.9 GB/s | 85.3 GB/s |

| PCIe Lanes | 16 (CPU only) | 48 (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics P630 | None |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2020-05-12 | 2017-12-20 |

| Launch MSRP | $552 | Not recorded |

| Part Number | SRJFB | SR3LS |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 4775 | 4992 |

| Percentile | 59 | 59 |