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 i5-11600T vs Xeon W-1290TE 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 i5-11600T vs Xeon W-1290TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-11600T

2021

Why buy it

✅+160.5% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $290 less on MSRP ($262 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 109.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.1 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon W-1290TE.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-1290TE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290TE, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-1290TE

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,478 vs 6,455).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.3 vs 55.1 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11600T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11600T better than Xeon W-1290TE?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290TE makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-11600T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-11600T is the stronger fit. You are getting 160.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i5-11600T is the better buy right now. Core i5-11600T comes in $290 cheaper on MSRP at $262 MSRP versus $552 MSRP, and it still gives you 160.5% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Xeon W-1290TE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 109.8% better value on MSRP (55.1 vs 26.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-11600T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 10/20, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-11600T vs Xeon W-1290TE Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-11600T

The Core i5-11600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 14,447 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon W-1290TE

The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-11600T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-1290TE offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-1290TE has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-11600T versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290TE (base: 1.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-11600T uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-1290TE uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600T scores 14,447 against the Xeon W-1290TE's 14,505 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,856 vs 2,507, a 29.8% lead for the Xeon W-1290TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,455 vs 2,478 (89% advantage for the Core i5-11600T). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600T vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE.

Feature	Core i5-11600T	Xeon W-1290TE
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.5 GHz+10%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	1.8 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	14,447	14,505
Geekbench 6 Single	1,856	2,507+35%
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,455+160%	2,478

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600T versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE — the Core i5-11600T supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600T) vs 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) — the Core i5-11600T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H470,Z490,B560,Z590 (Core i5-11600T) and W480 (Xeon W-1290TE).

Feature	Core i5-11600T	Xeon W-1290TE
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+9%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-11600T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD 750 (Core i5-11600T) and Intel UHD Graphics P630 (Xeon W-1290TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600T targets Gaming, Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600T rivals Ryzen 5 5600G.

Feature	Core i5-11600T	Xeon W-1290TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD 750	Intel UHD Graphics P630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11600T was priced at $262, while the Xeon W-1290TE came in at $552. On launch pricing ($262 vs $552), Core i5-11600T was $290 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600T delivers 55.1 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1290TE — making the Core i5-11600T the 70.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11600T	Xeon W-1290TE
MSRP	$262-53%	$552
Performance per Dollar	55.1+110%	26.3
Release Date	2021	2020

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