Core i9-9820X vs Xeon W-2150B

Intel

Core i9-9820X

10 Cores20 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Xeon W-2150B

10 Cores20 Thrd120 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2017

Core i9-9820X vs Xeon W-2150B Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i9-9820X vs Xeon W-2150B 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 W-2150B: 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

  • βœ…+12.5% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • βœ…+20% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 14 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2150B across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2150B, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.0 vs 41.1 PassMark/$ ($889 MSRP vs $499 MSRP).
  • ❌37.5% higher power demand at 165W vs 120W.

Xeon W-2150B

2017

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
  • βœ…Costs $390 less on MSRP ($499 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 78.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 41.1 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($499 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 120W instead of 165W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (8,324 vs 9,361).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (14 MB vs 17 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2150B better than Core i9-9820X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2150B 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, Core i9-9820X is the stronger fit. You are getting 12.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 14 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-2150B is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2150B comes in $390 cheaper on MSRP at $499 MSRP versus $889 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-9820X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 12.5% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 78.4% better value on MSRP (41.1 vs 23.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9820X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017), 20% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 14 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9820X vs Xeon W-2150B Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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) (2017βˆ’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.

Intel

Xeon W-2150B

The Xeon W-2150B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017βˆ’2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 13.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,486 points. Launch price was $800.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-9820X and Xeon W-2150B share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2150B β€” a 6.9% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2150B (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017βˆ’2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9820X scores 20,456 against the Xeon W-2150B's 20,486 β€” a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W-2150B. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 1,394 vs 1,410, a 1.1% lead for the Xeon W-2150B that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,361 vs 8,324 (11.7% advantage for the Core i9-9820X). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X vs 13.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2150B.

FeatureCore i9-9820XXeon W-2150B
Cores / Threads
10 / 20
10 / 20
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
4.5 GHz+7%
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+10%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
16.5 MB (total)+20%
13.75 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017βˆ’2018)
Skylake (server) (2017βˆ’2018)
PassMark
20,456
20,486
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
11,463
Geekbench 6 Single
1,394
1,410+1%
Geekbench 6 Multi
9,361+12%
8,324
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2066 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4 2666 MHz memory speed. The Xeon W-2150B supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB β€” 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9820X) vs 48 (Xeon W-2150B) β€” the Xeon W-2150B offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X) and C422 (Xeon W-2150B).

FeatureCore i9-9820XXeon W-2150B
Socket
LGA2066
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4 2666 MHz
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
512 GB+300%
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
44
48+9%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9820X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-9820X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-2150B). Primary use case: Core i9-9820X targets Workstation.

FeatureCore i9-9820XXeon W-2150B
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
β€”
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9820X was priced at $889, while the Xeon W-2150B came in at $499. On launch pricing ($889 vs $499), Xeon W-2150B was $390 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9820X delivers 23.0 pts/$ vs 41.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2150B β€” making the Xeon W-2150B the 56.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-9820XXeon W-2150B
MSRP
$889
$499-44%
Performance per Dollar
23.0
41.1+79%
Release Date
2018
2017

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