Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4109T

Intel

Core i7-5930K

6 Cores12 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Silver 4109T

8 Cores16 Thrd70 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4109T 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 i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4109T 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 i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4109T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5930K

2014

Why buy it

  • +36.4% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 11 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Silver 4109T, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Xeon Silver 4109T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 100% higher power demand at 140W vs 70W.

Xeon Silver 4109T

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.
  • Draws 70W instead of 140W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (10,348 vs 10,369).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (11 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-5930K better than Xeon Silver 4109T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Silver 4109T makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-5930K 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 i7-5930K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 i7-5930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 36.4% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 11 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-5930K is the better buy right now. Core i7-5930K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $583 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon Silver 4109T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4109T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-5930K

The Core i7-5930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.

Intel

Xeon Silver 4109T

The Xeon Silver 4109T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 10,348 points. Launch price was $501.

Processing Power

The Core i7-5930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4109T offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Silver 4109T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 3 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4109T — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-5930K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon Silver 4109T uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Xeon Silver 4109T's 10,348 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-5930K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 11 MB on the Xeon Silver 4109T.

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4109T
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+23%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+75%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB (total)+36%
11 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8 MB+3100%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell-E (2014)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
10,369
10,348
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi
6,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Silver 4109T uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4109T
Socket
LGA2011
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
40
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K) / not specified (Xeon Silver 4109T). Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4109T
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High End Desktop