Core i9-11900KF vs Xeon E5-2699 v4
Core i9-11900KF
Xeon E5-2699 v4
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 i9-11900KF
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2699 v4
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900KF | Xeon E5-2699 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($349) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900KF | Xeon E5-2699 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($349) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 i9-11900KF and Xeon E5-2699 v4
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.
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) | 5.5 MB+2100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| PassMark | 24,585 | 24,711 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 15,500 | — |
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 Xeon E5-2699 v4 supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2699 v4 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 169.2% 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 | 2400+59900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+8738033% | 1536 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-11900KF launched at $513 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2699 v4 debuted at $4115. At current prices ($349 vs $400), the Core i9-11900KF is $51 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900KF delivers 70.4 pts/$ vs 61.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2699 v4 — making the Core i9-11900KF the 13.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KF | Xeon E5-2699 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $513-88% | $4115 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $349-13% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 70.4+14% | 61.8 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2016 |
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