Core i9-11980HK vs Xeon W-1290P

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 i9-11980HK vs Xeon W-1290P 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 i9-11980HK vs Xeon W-1290P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-11980HK

2021

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 125W, a 80W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 32EUs, while Xeon W-1290P needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Xeon W-1290P.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-1290P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,244 vs 22,373).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-1290P, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon W-1290P

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
❌177.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-11980HK can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-11980HK.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1290P better than Core i9-11980HK?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1290P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-11980HK is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-1290P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.9% 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, Xeon W-1290P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon W-1290P still makes the most sense overall. Xeon W-1290P comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-11980HK makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020), 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB), and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-11980HK vs Xeon W-1290P Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-11980HK

The Core i9-11980HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-HK (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 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): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,244 points. Launch price was $583.

Xeon W-1290P

The Xeon W-1290P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,373 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-11980HK packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon W-1290P offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon W-1290P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-11980HK versus 5.2 GHz on the Xeon W-1290P — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1290P (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-11980HK uses the Tiger Lake-HK (2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Xeon W-1290P uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11980HK scores 22,244 against the Xeon W-1290P's 22,373 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon W-1290P. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11980HK vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290P.

Feature	Core i9-11980HK	Xeon W-1290P
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5.2 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)+20%	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-HK (2021)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	22,244	22,373
Cinebench R23 Multi	14,029	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,129	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,766	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11980HK uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-1290P uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i9-11980HK	Xeon W-1290P
Socket	FCBGA1787	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-11980HK) / not specified (Xeon W-1290P). The Core i9-11980HK includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 32EUs), while the Xeon W-1290P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-11980HK targets Enthusiast Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-11980HK rivals Ryzen 9 5900HX.