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Overview

The Xeon Platinum 8160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,989 points. Launch price was $4,702.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon Platinum 8160 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon Platinum 8160 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Platinum 8160 is a 24-core / 48-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 33 MB of L3 cache, plus 24 MB of L2 cache and 1.5 MB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 28,989, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon Platinum 8160
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	24C / 48T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	33 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	24 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	1.5 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	28,989

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon Platinum 8160 fits into the LGA3647 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to 2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 768 across 6 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Xeon Platinum 8160
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SeriesProduct family	Intel Xeon Platinum
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA3647
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	48
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	768
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	6
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C621
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	8 (Multiprocessor)

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Advanced Features

It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 7451.

Specification	Xeon Platinum 8160
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	EPYC 7451

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Power & Cooling

The Xeon Platinum 8160 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 150 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: LGA3647 Server Grade.

Specification	Xeon Platinum 8160
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	150 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	LGA3647 Server Grade

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #460 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon Platinum 8160
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$4,702
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#460
Release DateLaunch date	25 April 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel