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 i9-9900X vs Xeon E7-8891 v3 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 i9-9900X vs Xeon E7-8891 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9900X

2018

Why buy it

✅+62.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $5,852 less on MSRP ($989 MSRP vs $6,841 MSRP).
✅Delivers 593.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.9 vs 3.2 PassMark/$ ($989 MSRP vs $6,841 MSRP).
✅37.5% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 32) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,475 vs 9,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 45 MB).

Xeon E7-8891 v3

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+133.8% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 19 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (900 vs 1,459).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.2 vs 21.9 PassMark/$ ($6,841 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9900X better than Xeon E7-8891 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7-8891 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9900X 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 E7-8891 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 133.8% larger total L3 cache (45 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Core i9-9900X is the better buy right now. Core i9-9900X comes in $5,852 cheaper on MSRP at $989 MSRP versus $6,841 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E7-8891 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 593.0% better value on MSRP (21.9 vs 3.2 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9900X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9900X vs Xeon E7-8891 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9900X

The Core i9-9900X 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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: 21,655 points. Launch price was $989.

Xeon E7-8891 v3

The Xeon E7-8891 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EX (2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 45 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333/1600/1866, DDR3-1066/1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 21,615 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i9-9900X and Xeon E7-8891 v3 share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9900X versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E7-8891 v3 — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-9900X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E7-8891 v3 uses Haswell-EX (2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900X scores 21,655 against the Xeon E7-8891 v3's 21,615 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-9900X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,459 vs 900, a 47.4% lead for the Core i9-9900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,475 vs 9,500 (0.3% advantage for the Xeon E7-8891 v3). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900X vs 45 MB (total) on the Xeon E7-8891 v3.

Feature	Core i9-9900X	Xeon E7-8891 v3
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+29%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+25%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	45 MB (total)+134%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Haswell-EX (2015)
PassMark	21,655	21,615
Cinebench R23 Multi	13,985	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,459+62%	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,475	9,500

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9900X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7-8891 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9900X versus DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E7-8891 v3 — the Core i9-9900X supports 42.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-8891 v3 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9900X) vs 32 (Xeon E7-8891 v3) — the Core i9-9900X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9900X) and C602J (Xeon E7-8891 v3).

Feature	Core i9-9900X	Xeon E7-8891 v3
Socket	LGA2066	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+43%	DDR4-1866
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+38%	32

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9900X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9900X) vs Yes (Xeon E7-8891 v3).

Feature	Core i9-9900X	Xeon E7-8891 v3
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9900X was priced at $989, while the Xeon E7-8891 v3 came in at $6841. On launch pricing ($989 vs $6841), Core i9-9900X was $5852 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900X delivers 21.9 pts/$ vs 3.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-8891 v3 — making the Core i9-9900X the 149.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9900X	Xeon E7-8891 v3
MSRP	$989-86%	$6841
Performance per Dollar	21.9+584%	3.2
Release Date	2018	2015

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