Core i9-13980HX vs Xeon Gold 6444Y

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 i9-13980HX vs Xeon Gold 6444Y 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 i9-13980HX vs Xeon Gold 6444Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-13980HX

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,954 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $3,622 MSRP).
✅Delivers 428.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 13.0 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $3,622 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 270W, a 215W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Xeon Gold 6444Y needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (45,950 vs 47,176).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 45 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6444Y, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 80 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6444Y

2023

Why buy it

✅+2.7% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 80 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (80 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13980HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.0 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($3,622 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
❌390.9% higher power demand at 270W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-13980HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13980HX better than Xeon Gold 6444Y?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6444Y makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-13980HX 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 6444Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.7% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 36 MB).

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

Core i9-13980HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-13980HX comes in $2,954 cheaper on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $3,622 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6444Y is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.7% better PassMark. It is also 428.1% better value on MSRP (68.8 vs 13.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon Gold 6444Y is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i9-13980HX vs Xeon Gold 6444Y Technical Specifications

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

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 6444Y

The Xeon Gold 6444Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 47,176 points. Launch price was $1,517.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6444Y offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13980HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6444Y — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6444Y uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the Xeon Gold 6444Y's 47,176 — a 2.6% lead for the Xeon Gold 6444Y. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 45 MB on the Xeon Gold 6444Y.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Gold 6444Y
Cores / Threads	24 / 32+50%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+38%	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+64%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	45 MB+25%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX (2023)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	45,950	47,176+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6444Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 5600 memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6444Y supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6444Y). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6444Y) — the Xeon Gold 6444Y offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and C741 (Xeon Gold 6444Y).

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Gold 6444Y
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	5600	5600
Max RAM Capacity	192	4096+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	80+300%

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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 6444Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; Xeon Gold 6444Y rivals EPYC 9384X.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Gold 6444Y
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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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-13980HX was priced at $668, while the Xeon Gold 6444Y came in at $3622. On launch pricing ($668 vs $3622), Core i9-13980HX was $2954 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 13.0 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6444Y — making the Core i9-13980HX the 136.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Gold 6444Y
MSRP	$668-82%	$3622
Performance per Dollar	68.8+429%	13.0
Release Date	2023	2023

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