Core i9-11900K vs Xeon W-1390P

Intel

Core i9-11900K

8 Cores16 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-1390P

8 Cores16 Thrd125 WWMax: 5.2 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Core i9-11900K vs Xeon W-1390P Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i9-11900K vs Xeon W-1390P 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 i9-11900K vs Xeon W-1390P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-11900K

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $55 less on MSRP ($539 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
  • Delivers 10.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.4 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($539 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (24,990 vs 25,016).

Xeon W-1390P

2021

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.1 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $539 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1390P better than Core i9-11900K?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1390P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900K 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 W-1390P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-1390P is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i9-11900K is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-1390P comes in 10.2% more expensive on MSRP at $594 MSRP versus $539 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% higher PassMark. Core i9-11900K is also 10.1% better value on MSRP (46.4 vs 42.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-1390P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-11900K vs Xeon W-1390P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon W-1390P

The Xeon W-1390P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake-S (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: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 25,016 points. Launch price was $539.

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-11900K and Xeon W-1390P share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K versus 5.2 GHz on the Xeon W-1390P — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-11900K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-1390P uses Rocket Lake-S (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900K scores 24,990 against the Xeon W-1390P's 25,016 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W-1390P. Both processors carry 16 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i9-11900KXeon W-1390P
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
8 / 16
Boost Clock
5.2 GHz
5.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)
512 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Rocket Lake (2021)
Rocket Lake-S (2021)
PassMark
24,990
25,016
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0.

FeatureCore i9-11900KXeon W-1390P
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-11900K was priced at $539, while the Xeon W-1390P came in at $594. On launch pricing ($539 vs $594), Core i9-11900K was $55 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900K delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 42.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1390P — making the Core i9-11900K the 9.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-11900KXeon W-1390P
MSRP
$539-9%
$594
Performance per Dollar
46.4+10%
42.1
Release Date
2021
2021

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