Core i9-12900F vs Xeon Gold 6338T
Core i9-12900F
Xeon Gold 6338T
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 i9-12900F
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6338T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,795) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+386%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,795) |
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 i9-12900F and Xeon Gold 6338T
Core i9-12900F
The Core i9-12900F 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: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,873 points. Launch price was $499.
Xeon Gold 6338T
The Xeon Gold 6338T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,801 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338T offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338T has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900F versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338T — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i9-12900F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6338T uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900F scores 35,873 against the Xeon Gold 6338T's 35,801 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-12900F. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900F vs 36 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338T.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 24 / 48+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+50% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+14% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 35,873 | 35,801 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338T uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900F versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338T — the Core i9-12900F supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338T supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900F) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338T). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900F) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338T) — the Xeon Gold 6338T offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900F) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338T).
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 6144+4700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6338T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900F rivals Ryzen 9 5900X; Xeon Gold 6338T rivals EPYC 7443P.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900F launched at $494 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6338T debuted at $3139. At current prices ($370 vs $1795), the Core i9-12900F is $1425 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900F delivers 97.0 pts/$ vs 19.9 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338T — making the Core i9-12900F the 131.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon Gold 6338T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $494-84% | $3139 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370-79% | $1795 |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.0+387% | 19.9 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
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