Core i7-990X vs Xeon W3690
Core i7-990X
Xeon W3690
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-990X is positioned at rank 1046 and the Xeon W3690 is on rank 798, so the Xeon W3690 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-990X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3690
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-990X | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-990X | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+62%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-990X and Xeon W3690
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.
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 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-990X launched at $999 MSRP, while the Xeon W3690 debuted at $583. At current prices ($225 vs $140), the Xeon W3690 is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 31.7 pts/$ vs 51.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3690 — making the Xeon W3690 the 47.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-990X | Xeon W3690 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999 | $583-42% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $225 | $140-38% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.7 | 51.4+62% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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