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 i9-13950HX 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 i9-13950HX 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 i9-13950HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,610 less on MSRP ($590 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 428.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 69.5 vs 13.2 PassMark/$ ($590 MSRP vs $3,200 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 185W, a 130W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (41,012 vs 42,086).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 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

✅+2.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 36 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 i9-13950HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.2 vs 69.5 PassMark/$ ($3,200 MSRP vs $590 MSRP).
❌236.4% higher power demand at 185W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i9-13950HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13950HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13950HX 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 i9-13950HX 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 2.6% better PassMark, backed by 32 cores and 64 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (48 MB vs 36 MB).

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

Core i9-13950HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-13950HX comes in $2,610 cheaper on MSRP at $590 MSRP versus $3,200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6338N is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.6% better PassMark. It is also 428.5% better value on MSRP (69.5 vs 13.2 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13950HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 and DDR5 instead of LGA4189. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13950HX vs Xeon Gold 6338N Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-13950HX

The Core i9-13950HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 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: 41,012 points. Launch price was $590.

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 i9-13950HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the Xeon Gold 6338N has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13950HX versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6338N — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-13950HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-13950HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6338N uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13950HX scores 41,012 against the Xeon Gold 6338N's 42,086 — a 2.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6338N. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13950HX vs 48 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 6338N.

Feature	Core i9-13950HX	Xeon Gold 6338N
Cores / Threads	24 / 32	32 / 64+33%
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+57%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	48 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Ice Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark	41,012	42,086+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13950HX uses the FCBGA1964 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 5600 on the Core i9-13950HX versus 2667 on the Xeon Gold 6338N — the Core i9-13950HX supports 110% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6338N supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 192 — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6338N). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13950HX) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6338N) — the Xeon Gold 6338N offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13950HX) and LGA4189 (Xeon Gold 6338N).

Feature	Core i9-13950HX	Xeon Gold 6338N
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA4189
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+110%	2667
Max RAM Capacity	192	6144+3100%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	64+220%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-13950HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-13950HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6338N requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13950HX rivals M3 Max 16-Core; Xeon Gold 6338N rivals EPYC 7513.

Feature	Core i9-13950HX	Xeon Gold 6338N
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13950HX was priced at $590, while the Xeon Gold 6338N came in at $3200. On launch pricing ($590 vs $3200), Core i9-13950HX was $2610 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13950HX delivers 69.5 pts/$ vs 13.2 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6338N — making the Core i9-13950HX the 136.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13950HX	Xeon Gold 6338N
MSRP	$590-82%	$3200
Performance per Dollar	69.5+427%	13.2
Release Date	2023	2021

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