Core i9-11900KB vs Xeon E5-4640 v4

Intel

Core i9-11900KB

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4640 v4

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i9-11900KB vs Xeon E5-4640 v4 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 i9-11900KB vs Xeon E5-4640 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 i9-11900KB vs Xeon E5-4640 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 i9-11900KB

2021

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $2,298 less on MSRP ($539 MSRP vs $2,837 MSRP).
  • Delivers 429.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.1 vs 8.0 PassMark/$ ($539 MSRP vs $2,837 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 105W, a 40W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Xeon E5-4640 v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4640 v4, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-4640 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • +25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-11900KB across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (22,559 vs 22,693).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.0 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($2,837 MSRP vs $539 MSRP).
  • 61.5% higher power demand at 105W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i9-11900KB can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900KB better than Xeon E5-4640 v4?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4640 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900KB 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 i9-11900KB is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.2% 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 i9-11900KB is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-11900KB is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900KB comes in $2,298 cheaper on MSRP at $539 MSRP versus $2,837 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 429.5% better value on MSRP (42.1 vs 8.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-11900KB makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016), more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 12/24, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-11900KB vs Xeon E5-4640 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i9-11900KB

The Core i9-11900KB is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Maio 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,693 points. Launch price was $539.

Intel

Xeon E5-4640 v4

The Xeon E5-4640 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,559 points. Launch price was $2,837.

Processing Power

The Core i9-11900KB packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i9-11900KB versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v4 — a 61.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900KB (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i9-11900KB uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900KB scores 22,693 against the Xeon E5-4640 v4's 22,559 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i9-11900KB. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900KB vs 30 MB on the Xeon E5-4640 v4.

FeatureCore i9-11900KBXeon E5-4640 v4
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+88%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+57%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
30 MB+25%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
3 MB+140%
Process
10 nm SuperFin-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-H (2021)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
22,693
22,559
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,264
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,645
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900KB uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-11900KB versus DDR4 2133 MHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v4 — the Core i9-11900KB supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4640 v4 supports up to 1.5 TB of RAM compared to 128 GB 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-11900KB) vs 4 (Xeon E5-4640 v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-11900KB) vs 40 (Xeon E5-4640 v4) — the Xeon E5-4640 v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Mobile (Core i9-11900KB) and Intel C612 (Xeon E5-4640 v4).

FeatureCore i9-11900KBXeon E5-4640 v4
Socket
FCBGA1787
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+50%
DDR4 2133 MHz
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
1.5 TB+1100%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
40+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-11900KB has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-11900KB supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-11900KB) vs true (Xeon E5-4640 v4). The Core i9-11900KB includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-4640 v4 targets Server.

FeatureCore i9-11900KBXeon E5-4640 v4
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-11900KB was priced at $539, while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 came in at $2837. On launch pricing ($539 vs $2837), Core i9-11900KB was $2298 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900KB delivers 42.1 pts/$ vs 8.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4640 v4 — making the Core i9-11900KB the 136.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-11900KBXeon E5-4640 v4
MSRP
$539-81%
$2837
Performance per Dollar
42.1+426%
8.0
Release Date
2021
2016

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