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 Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q: 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: +19.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $7,051 less on MSRP ($668 MSRP vs $7,719 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1037.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.8 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $7,719 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 270W, a 215W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of LGA4189 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (45,950 vs 46,681).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 57 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Platinum 8368Q, which brings 38 cores / 76 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Platinum 8368Q

2021

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅+58.3% larger total L3 cache (57 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 38 cores / 76 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 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 6.0 vs 68.8 PassMark/$ ($7,719 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
❌390.9% higher power demand at 270W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on LGA4189 with DDR4, while Core i9-13980HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.
❌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 Platinum 8368Q?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 38 cores and 76 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 58.3% larger total L3 cache (57 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 $7,051 cheaper on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $7,719 MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Platinum 8368Q is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.6% better PassMark. It is also 1037.4% better value on MSRP (68.8 vs 6.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i9-13980HX 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 i9-13980HX vs Xeon Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q

The Xeon Platinum 8368Q is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 38 cores and 76 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 57 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 46,681 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13980HX packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Xeon Platinum 8368Q offers 38 cores / 76 threads — the Xeon Platinum 8368Q has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core i9-13980HX versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Platinum 8368Q — a 39.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-13980HX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-13980HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon Platinum 8368Q uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13980HX scores 45,950 against the Xeon Platinum 8368Q's 46,681 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon Platinum 8368Q. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13980HX vs 57 MB (total) on the Xeon Platinum 8368Q.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Platinum 8368Q
Cores / Threads	24 / 32	38 / 76+58%
Boost Clock	5.5 GHz+49%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+18%
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	57 MB (total)+58%
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	46,681+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13980HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q — the Core i9-13980HX supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Platinum 8368Q 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 Platinum 8368Q). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13980HX) vs 128 (Xeon Platinum 8368Q) — the Xeon Platinum 8368Q offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13980HX) and SP3,C621A (Xeon Platinum 8368Q).

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Platinum 8368Q
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA4189
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	5600+75%	3200
Max RAM Capacity	192	4096+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	128+540%

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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 Platinum 8368Q requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13980HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX; Xeon Platinum 8368Q rivals Xeon Platinum 8362.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Platinum 8368Q
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 Platinum 8368Q came in at $7719. On launch pricing ($668 vs $7719), Core i9-13980HX was $7051 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-13980HX delivers 68.8 pts/$ vs 6.0 pts/$ for the Xeon Platinum 8368Q — making the Core i9-13980HX the 167.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-13980HX	Xeon Platinum 8368Q
MSRP	$668-91%	$7719
Performance per Dollar	68.8+1047%	6.0
Release Date	2023	2021

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