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 i9-12900 vs Xeon Gold 6240R 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 i9-12900 vs Xeon Gold 6240R: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,925 less on MSRP ($519 MSRP vs $2,444 MSRP).
✅Delivers 375.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 64.9 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($519 MSRP vs $2,444 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA3647 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6240R, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6240R

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅140% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (33,353 vs 33,695).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 64.9 PassMark/$ ($2,444 MSRP vs $519 MSRP).
❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900 better than Xeon Gold 6240R?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6240R makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-12900 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 i9-12900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.2% 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 i9-12900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900 comes in $1,925 cheaper on MSRP at $519 MSRP versus $2,444 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 375.7% better value on MSRP (64.9 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA3647, and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 24/48. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900 vs Xeon Gold 6240R Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900

The Core i9-12900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,695 points. Launch price was $489.

Xeon Gold 6240R

The Xeon Gold 6240R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 24 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 33,353 points. Launch price was $2,200.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6240R offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6240R has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6240R — a 24.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6240R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Xeon Gold 6240R's 33,353 — a 1% lead for the Core i9-12900. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6240R.

Feature	Core i9-12900	Xeon Gold 6240R
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	24 / 48+50%
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+27%	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	35.75 MB+19%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	24 MB+1820%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	33,695+1%	33,353
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	22,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,212
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	17,218

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6240R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900 versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon Gold 6240R — the Core i9-12900 supports 63.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6240R supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6240R). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6240R) — the Xeon Gold 6240R offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900) and C621,Lewisburg (Xeon Gold 6240R).

Feature	Core i9-12900	Xeon Gold 6240R
Socket	LGA1700	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	4800+64%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1024 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	48+140%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6240R supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6240R). The Core i9-12900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Gold 6240R requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 6240R targets Server / High-load computing. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; Xeon Gold 6240R rivals EPYC 7402.

Feature	Core i9-12900	Xeon Gold 6240R
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Server / High-load computing

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900 was priced at $519, while the Xeon Gold 6240R came in at $2444. On launch pricing ($519 vs $2444), Core i9-12900 was $1925 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 64.9 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6240R — making the Core i9-12900 the 130.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900	Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP	$519-79%	$2444
Performance per Dollar	64.9+377%	13.6
Release Date	2022	2020

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