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 i9-11900KF vs Xeon E5-2699 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 i9-11900KF vs Xeon E5-2699 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 i9-11900KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $3,602 less on MSRP ($513 MSRP vs $4,115 MSRP).
✅Delivers 698.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 47.9 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($513 MSRP vs $4,115 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 145W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (24,585 vs 24,711).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 55 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2699 v4, which brings 22 cores / 44 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2699 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+243.8% larger total L3 cache (55 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 22 cores / 44 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 i9-11900KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.0 vs 47.9 PassMark/$ ($4,115 MSRP vs $513 MSRP).
❌16% higher power demand at 145W vs 125W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900KF better than Xeon E5-2699 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2699 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11900KF is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2699 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 22 cores and 44 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 243.8% larger total L3 cache (55 MB vs 16 MB).

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

Core i9-11900KF is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900KF comes in $3,602 cheaper on MSRP at $513 MSRP versus $4,115 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2699 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 698.1% better value on MSRP (47.9 vs 6.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-11900KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11900KF vs Xeon E5-2699 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11900KF

The Core i9-11900KF 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: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 24,585 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon E5-2699 v4

The Xeon E5-2699 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 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 55 MB. L2 cache: 5.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 24,711 points. Launch price was $4,115.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-11900KF packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2699 v4 offers 22 cores / 44 threads — the Xeon E5-2699 v4 has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900KF versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2699 v4 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900KF (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-11900KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2699 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900KF scores 24,585 against the Xeon E5-2699 v4's 24,711 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2699 v4. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900KF vs 55 MB on the Xeon E5-2699 v4.

Feature	Core i9-11900KF	Xeon E5-2699 v4
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	22 / 44+175%
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+44%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+59%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	55 MB+244%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4555%	5.5 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	24,585	24,711
Cinebench R23 Multi	15,500	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2699 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-11900KF versus 2400 on the Xeon E5-2699 v4 — the Core i9-11900KF supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2699 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-11900KF) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2699 v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-11900KF) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2699 v4) — the Xeon E5-2699 v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z590,B560 (Core i9-11900KF) and C612 (Xeon E5-2699 v4).

Feature	Core i9-11900KF	Xeon E5-2699 v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+33%	2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	40+100%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-11900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-11900KF supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Xeon E5-2699 v4 rivals Xeon Silver 4114.

Feature	Core i9-11900KF	Xeon E5-2699 v4
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-11900KF was priced at $513, while the Xeon E5-2699 v4 came in at $4115. On launch pricing ($513 vs $4115), Core i9-11900KF was $3602 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900KF delivers 47.9 pts/$ vs 6.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2699 v4 — making the Core i9-11900KF the 155.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-11900KF	Xeon E5-2699 v4
MSRP	$513-88%	$4115
Performance per Dollar	47.9+698%	6.0
Release Date	2021	2016

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