Core i7-990X vs Xeon E-2224

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 i7-990X vs Xeon E-2224 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 i7-990X vs Xeon E-2224: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $2,227 less on MSRP ($999 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).
✅Delivers 219.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.1 vs 2.2 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,135 vs 7,206).
❌83.1% higher power demand at 130W vs 71W.

Xeon E-2224

2019

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 71W instead of 130W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-990X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.2 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($3,226 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2224 better than Core i7-990X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2224 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-990X 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 E-2224 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon E-2224 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E-2224 comes in 222.9% more expensive on MSRP at $3,226 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. Core i7-990X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 219.7% better value on paper (7.1 vs 2.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

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

Xeon E-2224 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-990X vs Xeon E-2224 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Xeon E-2224

The Xeon E-2224 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 71 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,206 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E-2224 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon E-2224 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2224 (base: 3.46 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E-2224 uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Xeon E-2224's 7,206 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E-2224. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2224.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E-2224
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz	4.6 GHz+23%
Base Clock	3.46 GHz+2%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
PassMark	7,135	7,206

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E-2224 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E-2224
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-990X was priced at $999, while the Xeon E-2224 came in at $3226. On launch pricing ($999 vs $3226), Core i7-990X was $2227 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 2.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2224 — making the Core i7-990X the 104.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon E-2224
MSRP	$999-69%	$3226
Performance per Dollar	7.1+223%	2.2
Release Date	2011	2019

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