Core i7-990X vs Xeon W3690

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 W3690 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 W3690: 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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,135 vs 7,191).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Xeon W3690

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $416 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 72.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3690 better than Core i7-990X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3690 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 gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W3690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon W3690 is the better buy right now. Xeon W3690 comes in $416 cheaper on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 72.7% better value on MSRP (12.3 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon W3690 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 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 W3690 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 W3690

The Xeon W3690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 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: 7,191 points. Launch price was $450.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-990X and Xeon W3690 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon W3690 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.46 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). Both are built on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Xeon W3690's 7,191 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon W3690. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon W3690
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,135	7,191

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1366 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon W3690
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-990X was priced at $999, while the Xeon W3690 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($999 vs $583), Xeon W3690 was $416 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W3690 — making the Xeon W3690 the 53.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Xeon W3690
MSRP	$999	$583-42%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	12.3+73%
Release Date	2011	2011

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