CPU
GPU
Core i9-11900K
Xeon Gold 6256
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-11900K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6256
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($435) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900K | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($435) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i9-11900K and Xeon Gold 6256
Core i9-11900K
The Core i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.
Xeon Gold 6256
The Xeon Gold 6256 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 25,334 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-11900K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6256 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon Gold 6256 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6256 — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-11900K is built on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-11900K scores 24,990 against the Xeon Gold 6256's 25,334 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6256. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K vs 33 MB on the Xeon Gold 6256.
| Feature | Core i9-11900K | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 12 / 24+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+16% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 33 MB+106% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | — |
| PassMark | 24,990 | 25,334+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-11900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon Gold 6256 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-11900K | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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