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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,838 less on MSRP ($606 MSRP vs $2,444 MSRP).
✅Delivers 299.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.5 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($606 MSRP vs $2,444 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 165W, a 110W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 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.
❌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.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (22,500 vs 23,150).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 54.5 PassMark/$ ($2,444 MSRP vs $606 MSRP).
❌200% higher power demand at 165W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on LGA3647 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.3% 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 i9-12900HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900HX comes in $1,838 cheaper on MSRP at $606 MSRP versus $2,444 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 299.2% better value on MSRP (54.5 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 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 i9-12900HX vs Xeon Gold 6240R Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900HX

The Core i9-12900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,018 points. Launch price was $499.

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 i9-12900HX 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 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6240R — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900HX (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-12900HX uses the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6240R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900HX scores 33,018 against the Xeon Gold 6240R's 33,353 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6240R. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 23,150 vs 22,500 (2.8% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,426 vs 1,212, a 66.7% lead for the Core i9-12900HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,620 vs 17,218 (16.3% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6240R). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900HX vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6240R.

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Xeon Gold 6240R
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	24 / 48+50%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+25%	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.4 GHz+4%
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-HX (2022)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	33,018	33,353+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	23,150+3%	22,500
Geekbench 6 Single	2,426+100%	1,212
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,620	17,218+18%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900HX uses the FCBGA1964 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 DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon Gold 6240R — the Core i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6240R). Both provide 48 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX) and C621,Lewisburg (Xeon Gold 6240R).

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Xeon Gold 6240R
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+64%	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1024 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	6+200%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	48	48

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6240R supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i9-12900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Gold 6240R requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance, Xeon Gold 6240R targets Server / High-load computing. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX; Xeon Gold 6240R rivals EPYC 7402.

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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900HX was priced at $606, while the Xeon Gold 6240R came in at $2444. On launch pricing ($606 vs $2444), Core i9-12900HX was $1838 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900HX delivers 54.5 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6240R — making the Core i9-12900HX the 119.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP	$606-75%	$2444
Performance per Dollar	54.5+301%	13.6
Release Date	2022	2020

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