Intel has just launched, after a long time of waiting, its expected Xeon Workstation for workstations based on the Sapphire Rapids architecture. Among all the models launched, the one that most powerfully attracts attention is the Xeon W3-2423, given that its price is $350, a low enough price to be seen as an alternative to the Intel Core. Are they worth it or, on the contrary, is it better to pass by? Let’s see.
Although we talk about different chips when we talk about the Intel Core and Intel Xeon, however, Intel has used the same performance cores in both CPUs. Obviously, we refer to the Golden Cove, but with certain differences. However, there is a model with 6 cores and 12 threads, a typical desktop CPU configuration. Let’s not forget that the Xeon Workstation They can go up to 56 cores. However, we believe that there are a series of elements that must be clarified so that you, our readers, do not make a bad choice.
This is the Xeon W3-2423, is it worth it for its price?
The first and most important thing is to talk about the technical specifications of the model () of the Xeon Workstation, so we are going to list them:
- 6 cores/12 threads of the Golden Cove type.
- Clock speeds:
- 2.1GHz base,
- 4 GHz in Boost for all cores.
- 4.2 GHz for one or two cores.
- Support for DDR5 memory
- 4 channels
- 4.4 Gbps transfer rate
- ECC support
- 64 PCI Express lanes
- 120W TDP.
Once we have seen the specifications, we have to talk about the rest of the elements that surround the Xeon W3-2423 and list them one by one to get a more concrete idea of their pros and cons.
Use a different motherboard than the Intel Core
Once we have our suspect, we have to clarify that from the outset we already see a series of elements that differentiate it from conventional Intel Core, such as a greater number of PCIe lines for and support for 4 memory channels. Which, apart from the socket used, LGA4677, already shows us that we cannot install it on a conventional motherboard, but for workstations and believe us that they are not exactly cheap. Let’s not forget that the processor cannot work without being connected to its corresponding motherboard, which in this case are the ones that come with the W790 chipset, with high-end features, far superior even to the Z790 and with an obviously much higher price. .
That is, we cannot opt for the use of a cheaper motherboard with cut specifications. Why would a layman want 4 PCIe 5.0 slots for graphics cards, for example, if games can’t use more than one? And that port for U.2 drives? It is clear that we are facing hardware that far exceeds the needs of the average user and these features cost money, for this alone we would tell you to run away from this processor if you are going to use it to play, but it is not the only reason behind it.
There are Intel Core 12 and 13 models that give better performance
Since we are really talking about 6 Golden Cove cores, if we remove all the accessories we will find that for example an Intel Core i5-13400F is much cheaper, has the same configuration and much higher clock speeds. So the performance is much higher. What’s more, for the same price you can opt for an i5-13600K, which includes 8 additional E-Cores that you want or don’t give it a further performance boost compared to the W3-2423 which lacks them.
In conclusion, it is not a good processor to play and there are better alternatives within Intel itself.
