Core i9-13980HX vs Xeon Gold 6342
Core i9-13980HX
Xeon Gold 6342
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 i9-13980HX
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6342
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | Xeon Gold 6342 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,000) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-HX (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-13980HX | Xeon Gold 6342 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,000) |
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 i9-13980HX and Xeon Gold 6342
Core i9-13980HX
The Core i9-13980HX 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: 45,950 points. Launch price was $668.
Xeon Gold 6342
The Xeon Gold 6342 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 230 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 47,076 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, matching the Xeon Gold 6342's 24 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6342 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6342 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the Xeon Gold 6342's 47,076 — a 2.4% lead for the Xeon Gold 6342. Both processors carry 36 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | Xeon Gold 6342 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32 | 24 / 48 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+57% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.8 GHz+27% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 36 MB (total) |
| 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 | 45,950 | 47,076+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6342 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3200 on the Xeon Gold 6342 — the Core i9-13980HX supports 54.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6342 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 192 — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6342). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 64 (Xeon Gold 6342) — the Xeon Gold 6342 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and C621A (Xeon Gold 6342).
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | Xeon Gold 6342 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1964 | LGA4189 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+75% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 6144+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-13980HX 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 i9-13980HX includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6342 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; Xeon Gold 6342 rivals EPYC 7443.
| Feature | Core i9-13980HX | Xeon Gold 6342 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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