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 Xeon E5-2686 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 i7-9800X vs Xeon E5-2686 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 i7-9800X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $911 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
✅Delivers 154.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.8 vs 12.1 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
✅10% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 45 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2686 V3, which brings 18 cores / 36 threads.
❌37.5% higher power demand at 165W vs 120W.

Xeon E5-2686 V3

2014

Why buy it

✅+172.7% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 17 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 18 cores / 36 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 165W, a 45W reduction.

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).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.1 vs 30.8 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9800X better than Xeon E5-2686 V3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2686 V3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9800X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-9800X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.0% 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.

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

Core i7-9800X is the better buy right now. Core i7-9800X comes in $911 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $1,500 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 154.4% better value on MSRP (30.8 vs 12.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9800X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014), more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 18/36, 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 i7-9800X vs Xeon E5-2686 V3 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.

Xeon E5-2686 V3

The Xeon E5-2686 V3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4 2133 MHz Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 18,148 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9800X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2686 V3 offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon E5-2686 V3 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2686 V3 — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i7-9800X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-9800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2686 V3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9800X scores 18,128 against the Xeon E5-2686 V3's 18,148 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2686 V3. 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 1,033, a 28.2% lead for the Core i7-9800X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,552 vs 8,649 (13.5% advantage for the Xeon E5-2686 V3). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X vs 45 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2686 V3.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Xeon E5-2686 V3
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	18 / 36+125%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+29%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+90%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)	45 MB (total)+173%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	18,128	18,148
Cinebench R23 Multi	13,067+31%	10,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,372+33%	1,033
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,552	8,649+15%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2686 V3 uses LGA2011-3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9800X versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2686 V3 — the Core i7-9800X supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2686 V3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i7-9800X) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2686 V3) — the Core i7-9800X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-9800X) and C612,X99 (Xeon E5-2686 V3).

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Xeon E5-2686 V3
Socket	LGA2066	LGA2011-3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+10%	40

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9800X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X) vs Yes (Xeon E5-2686 V3). Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Xeon E5-2686 V3
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Workstation	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9800X was priced at $589, while the Xeon E5-2686 V3 came in at $1500. On launch pricing ($589 vs $1500), Core i7-9800X was $911 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9800X delivers 30.8 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2686 V3 — making the Core i7-9800X the 87.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9800X	Xeon E5-2686 V3
MSRP	$589-61%	$1500
Performance per Dollar	30.8+155%	12.1
Release Date	2018	2014

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