Core i9-7920X vs Xeon Gold 6122

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 i9-7920X vs Xeon Gold 6122 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 i9-7920X vs Xeon Gold 6122: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-7920X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (23,508 vs 23,781).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 28 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6122, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,199 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6122 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌16.7% higher power demand at 140W vs 120W.

Xeon Gold 6122

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅+69.7% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 17 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 140W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6122 better than Core i9-7920X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6122 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-7920X 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 6122 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 69.7% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 17 MB).

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

Xeon Gold 6122 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon Gold 6122 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,199 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. Core i9-7920X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (19.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Xeon Gold 6122 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017), 69.7% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 17 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 20 cores / 40 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-7920X vs Xeon Gold 6122 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-7920X

The Core i9-7920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 23,508 points. Launch price was $1,199.

Xeon Gold 6122

The Xeon Gold 6122 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 28 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 23,781 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-7920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6122 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6122 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7920X versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6122 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-7920X (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i9-7920X is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-7920X scores 23,508 against the Xeon Gold 6122's 23,781 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon Gold 6122. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-7920X vs 28 MB on the Xeon Gold 6122.

Feature	Core i9-7920X	Xeon Gold 6122
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	20 / 40+67%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+19%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+61%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)	28 MB+70%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	—
PassMark	23,508	23,781+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-7920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6122 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.