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 i5-9600T vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i5-9600T vs Xeon E5-2690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9600T

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,844 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 849.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.1 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 135W, a 100W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2690 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2690 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,601 vs 9,764).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (9 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +28.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+122.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 9 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 45.1 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌285.7% higher power demand at 135W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9600T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2690 better than Core i5-9600T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-9600T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 28.4% 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, Xeon E5-2690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 122.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 9 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2690 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9600T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2690 comes in 865.7% more expensive on MSRP at $2,057 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 28.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-9600T is also 849.6% better value on MSRP (45.1 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i5-9600T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-9600T vs Xeon E5-2690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-9600T

The Core i5-9600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,601 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2690

The Xeon E5-2690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,764 points. Launch price was $397.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-9600T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-9600T versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-9600T (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon E5-2690 is built on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-9600T scores 9,601 against the Xeon E5-2690's 9,764 — a 1.7% lead for the Xeon E5-2690. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-9600T vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Xeon E5-2690
Cores / Threads	6 / 6	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.9 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	9 MB Intel® Smart Cache	20480 kB (total)+122%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,601	9,764+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,344	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-9600T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9600T versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2690 — the Core i5-9600T supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-9600T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9600T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690) — the Xeon E5-2690 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B360,H370,H310,Q370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-9600T) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2690).

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Xeon E5-2690
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	384 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600T) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690). The Core i5-9600T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2690 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9600T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9600T rivals Ryzen 5 2400G.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Xeon E5-2690
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-9600T was priced at $213, while the Xeon E5-2690 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($213 vs $2057), Core i5-9600T was $1844 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9600T delivers 45.1 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 — making the Core i5-9600T the 161.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9600T	Xeon E5-2690
MSRP	$213-90%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	45.1+860%	4.7
Release Date	2019	2012

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