Core i9-12900K vs Xeon Gold 6338N
Core i9-12900K
Xeon Gold 6338N
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 i9-12900K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6338N
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($322) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+872%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($322) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,200) |
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 i9-12900K and Xeon Gold 6338N
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
Xeon Gold 6338N
The Xeon Gold 6338N is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 42,086 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N — a 39.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-12900K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900K scores 41,180 against the Xeon Gold 6338N's 42,086 — a 2.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338N. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900K vs 48 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338N.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+49% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+45% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 48 MB (total)+60% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Ice Lake-SP (2021) |
| PassMark | 41,180 | 42,086+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900K versus 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N — the Xeon Gold 6338N supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900K) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338N). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900K) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338N) — the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K) and LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N).
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 2667+53240% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+2184433% | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-12900K) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6338N). The Core i9-12900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon Gold 6338N requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900K launched at $589 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6338N debuted at $3200. At current prices ($322 vs $3200), the Core i9-12900K is $2878 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900K delivers 127.9 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338N — making the Core i9-12900K the 162.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Xeon Gold 6338N |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589-82% | $3200 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $322-90% | $3200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 127.9+869% | 13.2 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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