CPU
GPU
Core i9-9820X
Xeon Gold 6138T
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 i9-9820X
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6138T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9820X | Xeon Gold 6138T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($280) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9820X | Xeon Gold 6138T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+44%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($280) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 i9-9820X and Xeon Gold 6138T
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.
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% |
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6138T — the Core i9-9820X supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6138T supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 142.9% 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 48+9% |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9820X launched at $889 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6138T debuted at $2742. At current prices ($280 vs $400), the Core i9-9820X is $120 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9820X delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 50.9 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6138T — making the Core i9-9820X the 35.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9820X | Xeon Gold 6138T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $889-68% | $2742 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $280-30% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.1+44% | 50.9 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2017 |
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