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 i9-12900K vs Xeon Gold 6338N 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 i9-12900K vs Xeon Gold 6338N: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,611 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 431.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 69.9 vs 13.2 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 185W, a 60W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (41,180 vs 42,086).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6338N, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6338N

2021

Why buy it

✅+2.2% higher PassMark.
✅+60% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅220% more PCIe lanes (64 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.2 vs 69.9 PassMark/$ ($3,200 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
❌48% higher power demand at 185W vs 125W.
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900K better than Xeon Gold 6338N?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6338N makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-12900K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6338N is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 60% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 30 MB).

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

Core i9-12900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900K comes in $2,611 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $3,200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6338N is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.2% better PassMark. It is also 431.6% better value on MSRP (69.9 vs 13.2 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900K vs Xeon Gold 6338N Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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%

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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 Core i9-12900K supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 4700% 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+80%	2667
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	6144 GB+4700%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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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

At launch, the Core i9-12900K was priced at $589, while the Xeon Gold 6338N came in at $3200. On launch pricing ($589 vs $3200), Core i9-12900K was $2611 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900K delivers 69.9 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338N — making the Core i9-12900K the 136.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900K	Xeon Gold 6338N
MSRP	$589-82%	$3200
Performance per Dollar	69.9+430%	13.2
Release Date	2021	2021

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