Core i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-4640 v3

Intel

Core i7-9750HF

6 Cores12 Thrd45 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4640 v3

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-4640 v3 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 i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-4640 v3 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 i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-4640 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9750HF

2019

Why buy it

  • +49.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $2,464 less on MSRP ($395 MSRP vs $2,859 MSRP).
  • Delivers 625.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.3 vs 3.6 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $2,859 MSRP).
  • Draws 45W instead of 105W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (5,149 vs 7,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4640 v3, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-4640 v3

2015

Why buy it

  • +35.9% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • 150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (750 vs 1,120).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.6 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($2,859 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).
  • 133.3% higher power demand at 105W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9750HF better than Xeon E5-4640 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4640 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9750HF 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 E5-4640 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 35.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-9750HF is the better buy right now. Core i7-9750HF comes in $2,464 cheaper on MSRP at $395 MSRP versus $2,859 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-4640 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 35.9% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 625.3% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 3.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9750HF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-4640 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9750HF

The Core i7-9750HF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 10,393 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5-4640 v3

The Xeon E5-4640 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,372 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9750HF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9750HF versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — a 53.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-9750HF (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-9750HF uses the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9750HF scores 10,393 against the Xeon E5-4640 v3's 10,372 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-9750HF. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,120 vs 750, a 39.6% lead for the Core i7-9750HF that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,149 vs 7,000 (30.5% advantage for the Xeon E5-4640 v3). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9750HF vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4640 v3.

FeatureCore i7-9750HFXeon E5-4640 v3
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+73%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+37%
1.9 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
30 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-HR (2019)
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
10,393
10,372
Cinebench R23 Multi
6,915
Geekbench 6 Single
1,120+49%
750
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,149
7,000+36%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9750HF uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9750HF versus DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — the Core i7-9750HF supports 42.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4640 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9750HF) vs 4 (Xeon E5-4640 v3). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9750HF) vs 40 (Xeon E5-4640 v3) — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM370,QM370,CM246 (Core i7-9750HF) and C612 (Xeon E5-4640 v3).

FeatureCore i7-9750HFXeon E5-4640 v3
Socket
BGA1440
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+43%
DDR4-1866
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
768 GB+500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
40+150%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both support Yes virtualization.

FeatureCore i7-9750HFXeon E5-4640 v3
Integrated GPU
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
Yes
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9750HF was priced at $395, while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 came in at $2859. On launch pricing ($395 vs $2859), Core i7-9750HF was $2464 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9750HF delivers 26.3 pts/$ vs 3.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — making the Core i7-9750HF the 151.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9750HFXeon E5-4640 v3
MSRP
$395-86%
$2859
Performance per Dollar
26.3+631%
3.6
Release Date
2019
2015

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