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 w5-2445 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 w5-2445: 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

✅Draws 95W instead of 175W, a 80W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon w5-2445 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon w5-2445 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 32,213).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 26 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w5-2445, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while Xeon w5-2445 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon w5-2445

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+118.8% larger total L3 cache (26 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅Newer platform on LGA4677 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌84.2% higher power demand at 175W vs 95W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon w5-2445 better than Core i7-9700K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w5-2445 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 w5-2445 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.5% 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 w5-2445 is the stronger fit. You are getting 123.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 118.8% larger total L3 cache (26 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Xeon w5-2445 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon w5-2445 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 w5-2445 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA4677 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 118.8% larger total L3 cache (26 MB vs 12 MB), more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 8/8, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Xeon w5-2445 Technical Specifications

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

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 (2018−2019) 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.

Xeon w5-2445

The Xeon w5-2445 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 175 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 32,213 points. Launch price was $839.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon w5-2445 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon w5-2445 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2445 — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Xeon w5-2445's 32,213 — a 76.4% lead for the Xeon w5-2445. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w5-2445.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon w5-2445
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+7%	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+16%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	26.25 MB+119%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	14,397	32,213+124%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	15,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,822
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	10,719

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon w5-2445 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-2445 — the Xeon w5-2445 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2445 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2445). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2445) — the Xeon w5-2445 offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and W790 (Xeon w5-2445).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon w5-2445
Socket	LGA1151	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	64+300%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-2445 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w5-2445). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon w5-2445 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Xeon w5-2445 targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-2445 rivals Threadripper 7945WX.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon w5-2445
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Professional Workstation