PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-9300 vs Xeon X5690 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-9300 vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-9300

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $107 less on MSRP ($143 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.7 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Draws 62W instead of 130W, a 68W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon X5690 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,031 vs 7,105).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.1 vs 49.7 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
❌109.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 62W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300 better than Xeon X5690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-9300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-9300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9300 comes in $107 cheaper on MSRP at $143 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 76.7% better value on MSRP (49.7 vs 28.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-9300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9300 vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-9300

The Core i3-9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,105 points. Launch price was $143.

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i3-9300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300 scores 7,105 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-9300. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9300 vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+15%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+7%	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12288 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,105+1%	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,498	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,025	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5690 — the Core i3-9300 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-9300) vs 3 (Xeon X5690). Chipset compatibility: LGA1151 (Core i3-9300) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5690).

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon X5690
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-9300) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). The Core i3-9300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon X5690 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300 was priced at $143, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($143 vs $250), Core i3-9300 was $107 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300 delivers 49.7 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Core i3-9300 the 55.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$143-43%	$250
Performance per Dollar	49.7+77%	28.1
Release Date	2019	2011

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