Core i9-7940X vs Xeon Gold 6256
Core i9-7940X
Xeon Gold 6256
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 i9-7940X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6256
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-7940X | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-7940X | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i9-7940X and Xeon Gold 6256
Core i9-7940X
The Core i9-7940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 25,452 points. Launch price was $1,399.
Xeon Gold 6256
The Xeon Gold 6256 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 25,334 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-7940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6256 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-7940X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7940X versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6256 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Xeon Gold 6256 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-7940X is built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-7940X scores 25,452 against the Xeon Gold 6256's 25,334 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-7940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-7940X vs 33 MB on the Xeon Gold 6256.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28+17% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total) | 33 MB+71% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | — |
| PassMark | 25,452 | 25,334 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-7940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6256 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-7940X | Xeon Gold 6256 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA3647 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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