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

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

Core i9-12900KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,426 less on MSRP ($564 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 438.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 72.4 vs 13.5 PassMark/$ ($564 MSRP vs $2,990 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 205W, a 80W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 48 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6338, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon Gold 6338

2021

Why buy it

✅+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 i9-12900KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (40,225 vs 40,858).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.5 vs 72.4 PassMark/$ ($2,990 MSRP vs $564 MSRP).
❌64% higher power demand at 205W vs 125W.
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900KF moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

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

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6338 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-12900KF 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 i9-12900KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 19.6% 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 i9-12900KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900KF is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900KF comes in $2,426 cheaper on MSRP at $564 MSRP versus $2,990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 438.5% better value on MSRP (72.4 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189 and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900KF vs Xeon Gold 6338 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900KF

The Core i9-12900KF 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 Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,858 points. Launch price was $564.

Xeon Gold 6338

The Xeon Gold 6338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,225 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900KF packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338 — a 47.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KF (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i9-12900KF is built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KF scores 40,858 against the Xeon Gold 6338's 40,225 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i9-12900KF. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KF vs 48 MB on the Xeon Gold 6338.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Xeon Gold 6338
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	32 / 64+100%
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+63%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	48 MB+60%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	—
PassMark	40,858+2%	40,225
Cinebench R23 Multi	27,472	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,585	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	15,300	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6338 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900KF versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6338 — the Core i9-12900KF supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900KF) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900KF) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338) — the Xeon Gold 6338 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,Z790,B660,B760 (Core i9-12900KF) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6338).

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Xeon Gold 6338
Socket	LGA1700	LGA4189
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+50%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	6144 GB+4700%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 6338 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon Gold 6338). Primary use case: Core i9-12900KF targets Extreme Gaming / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900KF rivals Ryzen 9 5950X; Xeon Gold 6338 rivals EPYC 7543.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Xeon Gold 6338
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Extreme Gaming / Content Creation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900KF was priced at $564, while the Xeon Gold 6338 came in at $2990. On launch pricing ($564 vs $2990), Core i9-12900KF was $2426 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KF delivers 72.4 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338 — making the Core i9-12900KF the 137.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900KF	Xeon Gold 6338
MSRP	$564-81%	$2990
Performance per Dollar	72.4+436%	13.5
Release Date	2021	2021

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