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 i9-10900E vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 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 i9-10900E vs Xeon E5-2690 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-10900E

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,602 less on MSRP ($488 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
✅Delivers 330.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.6 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($488 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 135W, a 70W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2690 v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 35 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690 v4, which brings 14 cores / 28 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+75% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 14 cores / 28 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-10900E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (19,255 vs 19,332).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 39.6 PassMark/$ ($2,090 MSRP vs $488 MSRP).
❌107.7% higher power demand at 135W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-10900E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10900E better than Xeon E5-2690 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-10900E 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 i9-10900E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.0% 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 i9-10900E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i9-10900E is the better buy right now. Core i9-10900E comes in $1,602 cheaper on MSRP at $488 MSRP versus $2,090 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 330.0% better value on MSRP (39.6 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 i9-10900E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 14/28. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-10900E vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-10900E

The Core i9-10900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,332 points. Launch price was $488.

Xeon E5-2690 v4

The Xeon E5-2690 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 35 MB. L2 cache: 3.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 19,255 points. Launch price was $2,090.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10900E packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i9-10900E versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — a 29.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900E (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-10900E uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900E scores 19,332 against the Xeon E5-2690 v4's 19,255 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-10900E. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900E vs 35 MB on the Xeon E5-2690 v4.

Feature	Core i9-10900E	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	14 / 28+40%
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz+34%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+8%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	35 MB+75%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	3.5 MB+1300%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	19,332	19,255

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900E uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10900E versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — the Core i9-10900E supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-10900E) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v4). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-10900E) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v4) — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i9-10900E) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v4).

Feature	Core i9-10900E	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933+22%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900E) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v4). The Core i9-10900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i9-10900E	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-10900E was priced at $488, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 came in at $2090. On launch pricing ($488 vs $2090), Core i9-10900E was $1602 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900E delivers 39.6 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — making the Core i9-10900E the 124.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-10900E	Xeon E5-2690 v4
MSRP	$488-77%	$2090
Performance per Dollar	39.6+330%	9.2
Release Date	2020	2016

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