Intel Xeon W-2104

The Intel Xeon W-2104 is a 4-core, 4-thread processor from the Skylake-W generation, built for the Server/Workstation segment. It runs at a 3.20 GHz base clock with no boost clock, supports ECC memory, and uses Intel Socket 2066. Its aggregate benchmark score is 1360, placing it in the 37th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Benchmark Performance

Cinebench results cover three versions. In Cinebench R15, the W-2104 scores 474 multi-core and 66 single-core. In R20, it scores 1975 multi-core and 278 single-core. In R23, it scores 4703 multi-core and 664 single-core. These scores show a consistent multi-thread advantage over single-thread results, as expected from a chip with four cores and four threads. The aggregate average benchmark score is 1360, and the CPU is in the 37th percentile of all CPUs.

The nearest rival comparison reinforces that this is a mid-pack result by aggregate metrics. The Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 has an average score of 1360, so the deltaPct is 0. The Intel Core i5-6500TE also has an average score of 1360, a 0% delta. The Intel Core i5-6500T has an average score of 1361, giving a deltaPct of -0.1% for the W-2104. The Intel Core i7-3720QM has an average score of 1359, giving a deltaPct of 0.1% for the W-2104. The largest separation from the W-2104 in either direction is only 0.1 percentage points. In practical terms, the W-2104 is tied with all four of these processors in average benchmark scoring.

The single-core and multi-core Cinebench scores should be read together. The R23 multi-core score of 4703 is substantially higher than the R23 single-core score of 664, which reflects the benefit of four physical cores. The R20 multi-core score of 1975 and single-core score of 278 follow the same pattern. R15 multi-core 474 and single-core 66 are the oldest data points but point in the same direction.

Power and Thermals

The processor has a TDP of 120 W. Because the boost clock is null, the 3.20 GHz base clock is effectively the upper operating clock; there is no turbo state changing the thermal profile. The process node is 14 nm, and the die size is 484 mm². These are the relevant production details for assessing heat dissipation.

A 120 W TDP places the W-2104 in a cooling class that needs a dedicated processor cooler rather than a minimal passive solution. The thermal load will come from sustained all-core work, not from boost transients. In a workstation chassis, the cooling requirement is moderate-to-high. The absence of a boost clock means the power trajectory is predictable, but the 120 W TDP still defines the cooling tier.

Who Should Consider It

The W-2104 is best suited to workloads where ECC memory support and quad-channel memory bandwidth matter more than raw core throughput. For content creation, the R23 multi-core score of 4703 and R20 multi-core score of 1975 indicate a modest rendering capability. The 37th percentile ranking confirms that the aggregate benchmark position is below the median of all CPUs.

For office productivity, the R23 single-core score of 664 and R15 single-core score of 66 indicate per-thread performance that is adequate for common tasks, though not outstanding. The CPU has no integrated graphics, so any office system must include a discrete GPU for display output. For gaming, the single-core scores are the more relevant metric, and they are moderate. The lack of integrated graphics reinforces that a graphics card is mandatory.

For workstation use, the strongest characteristics are the quad-channel DDR4 memory controller with 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth, ECC support, and 48 PCIe Gen3 lanes from the CPU. These platform features can be more important than Cinebench throughput for memory-heavy or reliability-sensitive workloads. The W-2104 is not a high-core-count processor, so heavily threaded rendering workloads will be limited by its four-core, four-thread design.

Platform and Compatibility

The W-2104 fits Intel Socket 2066 and is based on the Skylake architecture, specifically the Xeon W (Skylake-W) generation. The process node is Intel 14 nm, and the die size is 484 mm². Memory support is DDR4 in a quad-channel configuration, with 85.3 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory support is listed as true. The CPU provides 48 PCIe Gen3 lanes from the processor. No integrated graphics are present, so a discrete GPU is needed for display.

Each core has 64 KB of L1 cache and 1 MB of L2 cache, while the shared L3 cache is 8.25 MB. The multiplier is locked, meaning the operating frequency is tied to the 3.20 GHz base clock. The production status is end-of-life, and the launch MSRP is $255. The part number is SR3LH. The platform is end-of-life, so upgrade options are limited by the socket 2066 ecosystem.

How It Compares

The Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 is a direct rival by name and by score. Both processors average 1360, and the deltaPct is 0. The benchmark data shows no aggregate performance difference between them.

The Intel Core i5-6500TE also averages 1360, with a 0% deltaPct. The W-2104 is indistinguishable from this rival in average benchmark score, despite their different market positions.

The Intel Core i5-6500T averages 1361, with a deltaPct of -0.1% for the W-2104. This means the W-2104 trails by 0.1% in average score, a negligible difference.

The Intel Core i7-3720QM averages 1359, with a deltaPct of 0.1% for the W-2104. The W-2104 leads this rival by 0.1% in average score. Across all four rivals, the W-2104 sits in a tightly packed performance cluster with no meaningful average-score separation.

FAQ

Q: What is the Intel Xeon W-2104's average benchmark score?

A: The average benchmark score is 1360, placing it in the 37th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Does the W-2104 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory support is listed as true.

Q: What memory configuration does the W-2104 use?

A: It uses quad-channel DDR4 memory with 85.3 GB/s of memory bandwidth.

Q: Does the W-2104 have integrated graphics?

A: No, the integrated graphics field is null, so a discrete GPU is required for display.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: The CPU provides 48 PCIe Gen3 lanes.

Q: Is the W-2104 unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, and there is no boost clock; the base clock is 3.20 GHz.