Core i7-9700K vs Xeon W-3275M

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Xeon W-3275M

28 Cores56 Thrd205 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019

Core i7-9700K vs Xeon W-3275M 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 i7-9700K vs Xeon W-3275M 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 i7-9700K vs Xeon W-3275M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $4,064 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $4,449 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 311.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 9.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $4,449 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 95W instead of 205W, a 110W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon W-3275M needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-3275M across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 40,419).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 39 MB).
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-3275M, which brings 28 cores / 56 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon W-3275M

2019

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +12.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+220.8% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 12 MB).
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 28 cores / 56 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • βœ…300% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($4,449 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • ❌115.8% higher power demand at 205W vs 95W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-3275M better than Core i7-9700K?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-3275M makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700K 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 W-3275M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.7% 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, Xeon W-3275M is the stronger fit. You are getting 180.7% better PassMark, backed by 28 cores and 56 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 220.8% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-3275M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W-3275M comes in 1055.6% more expensive on MSRP at $4,449 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 311.6% better value on paper (37.4 vs 9.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-3275M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018), 220.8% larger total L3 cache (39 MB vs 12 MB), more multi-core headroom with 28 cores / 56 threads instead of 8/8, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs Xeon W-3275M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

Intel

Xeon W-3275M

The Xeon W-3275M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019βˆ’2020) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 38.5 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 40,419 points. Launch price was $7,453.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W-3275M offers 28 cores / 56 threads β€” the Xeon W-3275M has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon W-3275M β€” a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-3275M uses Cascade Lake (2019βˆ’2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Xeon W-3275M's 40,419 β€” a 94.9% lead for the Xeon W-3275M. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 38.5 MB on the Xeon W-3275M.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon W-3275M
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
28 / 56+250%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+7%
4.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+44%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
38.5 MB+221%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+814%
28 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019)
Cascade Lake (2019βˆ’2020)
PassMark
14,397
40,419+181%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-3275M uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus 2933 on the Xeon W-3275M β€” the Xeon W-3275M supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-3275M supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB β€” 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 6 (Xeon W-3275M). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 64 (Xeon W-3275M) β€” the Xeon W-3275M offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and C620 (Xeon W-3275M).

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon W-3275M
Socket
LGA1151
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
64+300%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-3275M supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon W-3275M requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon W-3275M rivals EPYC 7742.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon W-3275M
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
β€”
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Xeon W-3275M came in at $4449. On launch pricing ($385 vs $4449), Core i7-9700K was $4064 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 9.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-3275M β€” making the Core i7-9700K the 121.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon W-3275M
MSRP
$385-91%
$4449
Performance per Dollar
37.4+311%
9.1
Release Date
2018
2019

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