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 i7-11700KF vs Xeon Gold 6138 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 i7-11700KF vs Xeon Gold 6138: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-11700KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +33.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,238 less on MSRP ($374 MSRP vs $2,612 MSRP).
✅Delivers 589.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 63.7 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($374 MSRP vs $2,612 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (10,874 vs 15,439).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 28 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6138, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6138

2017

Why buy it

✅+42% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+71.9% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅140% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11700KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 63.7 PassMark/$ ($2,612 MSRP vs $374 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11700KF better than Xeon Gold 6138?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6138 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-11700KF 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, Xeon Gold 6138 is the stronger fit. You are getting 42% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 71.9% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 16 MB).

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

Core i7-11700KF is the better buy right now. Core i7-11700KF comes in $2,238 cheaper on MSRP at $374 MSRP versus $2,612 MSRP, and it still gives you a 33.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6138 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 42% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 589.8% better value on MSRP (63.7 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-11700KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-11700KF vs Xeon Gold 6138 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-11700KF

The Core i7-11700KF 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 23,811 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon Gold 6138

The Xeon Gold 6138 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 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 24,108 points. Launch price was $2,612.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-11700KF packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6138 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6138 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700KF versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6138 — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700KF (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-11700KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6138 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700KF scores 23,811 against the Xeon Gold 6138's 24,108 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6138. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,287 vs 1,261, a 57.8% lead for the Core i7-11700KF that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,874 vs 15,439 (34.7% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6138). L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700KF vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6138.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Xeon Gold 6138
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	20 / 40+150%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+35%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+80%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	27.5 MB+72%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+1180%	20 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	23,811	24,108+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	15,011	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,287+81%	1,261
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,874	15,439+42%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-11700KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6138 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11700KF versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6138 — the Core i7-11700KF supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6138 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-11700KF) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6138). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-11700KF) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6138) — the Xeon Gold 6138 offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z590,B560 (Core i7-11700KF) and C621 (Xeon Gold 6138).

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Xeon Gold 6138
Socket	LGA1200	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	48+140%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-11700KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6138 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Xeon Gold 6138
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700KF was priced at $374, while the Xeon Gold 6138 came in at $2612. On launch pricing ($374 vs $2612), Core i7-11700KF was $2238 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700KF delivers 63.7 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6138 — making the Core i7-11700KF the 149.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Xeon Gold 6138
MSRP	$374-86%	$2612
Performance per Dollar	63.7+592%	9.2
Release Date	2021	2017

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