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 i9-9820X vs Xeon Gold 6138T 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 i9-9820X vs Xeon Gold 6138T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9820X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,853 less on MSRP ($889 MSRP vs $2,742 MSRP).
✅Delivers 210.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.0 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($889 MSRP vs $2,742 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,361 vs 11,988).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (17 MB vs 28 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6138T, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌32% higher power demand at 165W vs 125W.

Xeon Gold 6138T

2017

Why buy it

✅+28.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 17 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
✅Draws 125W instead of 165W, a 40W reduction.
✅9.1% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 44) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9820X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.4 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($2,742 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9820X better than Xeon Gold 6138T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6138T makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9820X 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 6138T is the stronger fit. You are getting 28.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 20 cores and 40 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (28 MB vs 17 MB).

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

Core i9-9820X is the better buy right now. Core i9-9820X comes in $1,853 cheaper on MSRP at $889 MSRP versus $2,742 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon Gold 6138T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 28.1% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 210.0% better value on MSRP (23.0 vs 7.4 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9820X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9820X vs Xeon Gold 6138T Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9820X

The Core i9-9820X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,456 points. Launch price was $898.

Xeon Gold 6138T

The Xeon Gold 6138T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,356 points. Launch price was $2,742.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9820X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6138T offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6138T has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6138T — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-9820X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9820X scores 20,456 against the Xeon Gold 6138T's 20,356 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-9820X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,394 vs 1,030, a 30% lead for the Core i9-9820X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,361 vs 11,988 (24.6% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6138T). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6138T.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Xeon Gold 6138T
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	20 / 40+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+14%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+65%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)	27.5 MB+67%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	20 MB+1900%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	20,456	20,356
Geekbench 6 Single	1,394+35%	1,030
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,361	11,988+28%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9820X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6138T uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4 2666 MHz memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6138T supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9820X) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6138T). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9820X) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6138T) — the Xeon Gold 6138T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X) and C620 (Xeon Gold 6138T).

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Xeon Gold 6138T
Socket	LGA2066	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4 2666 MHz	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44	48+9%

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Advanced Features

Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-9820X) vs Yes (Xeon Gold 6138T). Primary use case: Core i9-9820X targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Xeon Gold 6138T
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	true	Yes
Target Use	Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9820X was priced at $889, while the Xeon Gold 6138T came in at $2742. On launch pricing ($889 vs $2742), Core i9-9820X was $1853 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9820X delivers 23.0 pts/$ vs 7.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6138T — making the Core i9-9820X the 102.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Xeon Gold 6138T
MSRP	$889-68%	$2742
Performance per Dollar	23.0+211%	7.4
Release Date	2018	2017

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