In this article, we will compare the performance of two high-end processors from Intel, the W-1370 and the W-1390. Both processors are part of Intel's latest Xeon W series, designed for workstations and servers. With similar specifications, it is crucial to understand how these processors differ in performance, specifically in terms of boost clock speed and average usage.
Overview of Intel W-1370 and Intel W-1390
The Intel Xeon W-1370 and W-1390 are both 8-core, 16-thread processors with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and 2.8 GHz, respectively. Both processors support Intel's Turbo Boost Technology, which allows higher clock speeds when specific workload conditions are met. The W-1370 has a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz, whereas the W-1390 can boost up to 5.2 GHz. However, the W-1390 has a higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 155W, compared to the W-1370's 125W.
What is Turbo Boost?
Intel's Turbo Boost Technology is a feature that dynamically adjusts the processor's clock speed based on the current workload and thermal conditions. When a workload requires higher performance, Turbo Boost increases the clock speed beyond the processor's base rating, delivering increased performance for demanding applications. Nevertheless, it's important to note that Turbo Boost Technology cannot be relied upon as a constant performance enhancement, as it depends on power, thermal, and electrical limits.
Performance Comparison: Intel W-1370 vs Intel W-1390
Boost Clock Speeds
The Intel W-1390 has a 100 MHz higher turbo frequency than the W-1370 (5.2 GHz vs. 5.1 GHz). While this difference may sound marginal, it can indeed lead to a performance advantage in certain workloads, specifically single-threaded tasks such as gaming, CAD, or single-threaded computational tasks. However, the difference would be minimal or even negligible in multi-threaded workloads, where the number of cores and threads is an essential factor.
Average Usage
Average CPU usage is a less highlighted yet essential aspect to consider when comparing processors. Average usage represents the clock speed the CPU generally runs at during regular operation and is an excellent indicator of the power efficiency, heat generation, and performance scaling under sustained load. Since the W-1370 has a lower base clock speed, it would generally have a lower average usage, resulting in better power efficiency and reduced heat generation.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
TDP, or Thermal Design Power, represents the average power a processor expects to dissipate in typical operation. While a higher TDP allows for a higher boost clock speed, it also leads to increased heat generation. This factor results in a more strict cooling solution requirement and higher power consumption. A lower TDP enables a quieter and more power-efficient workstation, making the Intel W-1370 a better option for users prioritizing power efficiency and a quieter work environment.
While the Intel W-1390 has a higher potential single-threaded performance due to its 5.2 GHz boost clock speed, the Intel W-1370 provides a more favorable combination of lower average usage, power efficiency, and reduced heat generation. When it comes to average usage, the W-1370 has a lower base clock speed and typically runs cooler and more efficiently. To decide between these two processors, it is essential to consider the specific workloads and whether power efficiency or peak performance is more important.