Core i7-8709G vs Xeon X7550

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 i7-8709G vs Xeon X7550 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 i7-8709G vs Xeon X7550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8709G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $1,162 less on MSRP ($338 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
✅Delivers 347.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.5 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
✅Draws 100W instead of 130W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X7550 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X7550, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon X7550

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,873 vs 7,934).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 23.5 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
❌30% higher power demand at 130W vs 100W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8709G better than Xeon X7550?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X7550 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8709G 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 i7-8709G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8709G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8709G comes in $1,162 cheaper on MSRP at $338 MSRP versus $1,500 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X7550 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 347.2% better value on MSRP (23.5 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8709G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8709G vs Xeon X7550 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon X7550

The Xeon X7550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-978, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, Speed-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 7,873 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8709G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X7550 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon X7550 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon X7550 — a 52.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-8709G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-8709G is built on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-8709G scores 7,934 against the Xeon X7550's 7,873 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-8709G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8709G vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X7550.

Feature	Core i7-8709G	Xeon X7550
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+71%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+55%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	18 MB L3 Cache+125%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	—
PassMark	7,934	7,873

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8709G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X7550 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8709G	Xeon X7550
Socket	FCBGA2270	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-8709G) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X7550). Primary use case: Xeon X7550 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon X7550 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-8709G	Xeon X7550
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8709G was priced at $338, while the Xeon X7550 came in at $1500. On launch pricing ($338 vs $1500), Core i7-8709G was $1162 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8709G delivers 23.5 pts/$ vs 5.2 pts/$ for the Xeon X7550 — making the Core i7-8709G the 126.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8709G	Xeon X7550
MSRP	$338-77%	$1500
Performance per Dollar	23.5+352%	5.2
Release Date	2018	2010

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