Core i7-11700KF vs Xeon W-1390

Intel

Core i7-11700KF

8 Cores16 Thrd125 WWMax: 5 GHz2021
VS
Intel

Xeon W-1390

8 Cores16 Thrd80 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Core i7-11700KF vs Xeon W-1390 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 W-1390 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 W-1390: 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: +29.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $120 less on MSRP ($374 MSRP vs $494 MSRP).
  • Delivers 31.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 63.7 vs 48.4 PassMark/$ ($374 MSRP vs $494 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (23,811 vs 23,902).
  • 56.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 80W.

Xeon W-1390

2021

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 80W instead of 125W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11700KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 48.4 vs 63.7 PassMark/$ ($494 MSRP vs $374 MSRP).
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1390 better than Core i7-11700KF?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1390 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 W-1390 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-1390 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-11700KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-1390 comes in 32.1% more expensive on MSRP at $494 MSRP versus $374 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-11700KF is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 29.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-11700KF is also 31.6% better value on MSRP (63.7 vs 48.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-1390 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-11700KF vs Xeon W-1390 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon W-1390

The Xeon W-1390 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake-S (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 23,902 points. Launch price was $494.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-11700KF and Xeon W-1390 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700KF versus 5.1 GHz on the Xeon W-1390 — a 2% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1390 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-11700KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-1390 uses Rocket Lake-S (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700KF scores 23,811 against the Xeon W-1390's 23,902 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-1390. Both processors carry 16 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-11700KFXeon W-1390
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
8 / 16
Boost Clock
5 GHz
5.1 GHz+2%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+29%
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Rocket Lake (2021)
Rocket Lake-S (2021)
PassMark
23,811
23,902
Cinebench R23 Multi
15,011
Geekbench 6 Single
2,287
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,874
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0.

FeatureCore i7-11700KFXeon W-1390
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-11700KF) / not specified (Xeon W-1390).

FeatureCore i7-11700KFXeon W-1390
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700KF was priced at $374, while the Xeon W-1390 came in at $494. On launch pricing ($374 vs $494), Core i7-11700KF was $120 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700KF delivers 63.7 pts/$ vs 48.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1390 — making the Core i7-11700KF the 27.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-11700KFXeon W-1390
MSRP
$374-24%
$494
Performance per Dollar
63.7+32%
48.4
Release Date
2021
2021

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