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 i7-9800X vs Core Ultra 5 238V 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 i7-9800X vs Core Ultra 5 238V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9800X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+106.3% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 8 MB).
✅450% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.8 vs 40.1 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $454 MSRP).
❌870.6% higher power demand at 165W vs 17W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 5 238V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 238V can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 238V

2024

Why buy it

✅Costs $135 less on MSRP ($454 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.1 vs 30.8 PassMark/$ ($454 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
✅Draws 17W instead of 165W, a 148W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics 130V, while Core i7-9800X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9800X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (10,000 vs 13,067).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 17 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9800X better than Core Ultra 5 238V?

Yes. Core i7-9800X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 30.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-9800X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.1% 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 i7-9800X is the stronger fit. You are getting 30.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 106.3% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-9800X is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-9800X comes in 29.7% more expensive on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $454 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core Ultra 5 238V only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 12.1% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 5 238V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018) and a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9800X vs Core Ultra 5 238V Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-9800X

The Core i7-9800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.

Core Ultra 5 238V

The Core Ultra 5 238V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,219 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9800X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core Ultra 5 238V's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X versus 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-9800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9800X scores 18,128 against the Core Ultra 5 238V's 18,219 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,067 vs 10,000 (26.6% advantage for the Core i7-9800X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,372 vs 2,683, a 64.7% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,552 vs 10,130 (29.2% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 238V.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Core Ultra 5 238V
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	4.7 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+81%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)+106%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)+150%
Process	14 nm	3 nm-79%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	18,128	18,219
Cinebench R23 Multi	13,067+31%	10,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,372	2,683+96%
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,552	10,130+34%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 238V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9800X versus LPDDR5x-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 238V — the Core Ultra 5 238V supports 220.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9800X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-9800X) vs 2 (Core Ultra 5 238V). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i7-9800X) vs 8 (Core Ultra 5 238V) — the Core i7-9800X offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-9800X) and SoC (Core Ultra 5 238V).

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Core Ultra 5 238V
Socket	LGA2066	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	LPDDR5x-8533+220%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	44+450%	8

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9800X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-9800X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 5 238V includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 130V), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation, Core Ultra 5 238V targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT; Core Ultra 5 238V rivals Ryzen 5 8640U.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Core Ultra 5 238V
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Arc Graphics 130V
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9800X was priced at $589, while the Core Ultra 5 238V came in at $454. On launch pricing ($589 vs $454), Core Ultra 5 238V was $135 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9800X delivers 30.8 pts/$ vs 40.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 238V — making the Core Ultra 5 238V the 26.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Core Ultra 5 238V
MSRP	$589	$454-23%
Performance per Dollar	30.8	40.1+30%
Release Date	2018	2024

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