Core i9-9920X vs Xeon Gold 6240

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 i9-9920X vs Xeon Gold 6240 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 i9-9920X vs Xeon Gold 6240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9920X

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6240, which brings 18 cores / 36 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,189 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6240 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon Gold 6240

2019

Why buy it

✅+28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 18 cores / 36 threads.
✅Draws 150W instead of 165W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9920X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (24,918 vs 24,974).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9920X better than Xeon Gold 6240?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6240 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9920X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9920X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9920X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-9920X is the better buy right now. Core i9-9920X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,189 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon Gold 6240 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018) and 28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9920X vs Xeon Gold 6240 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9920X

The Core i9-9920X 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 12 cores and 24 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: 24,974 points. Launch price was $1,189.

Xeon Gold 6240

The Xeon Gold 6240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 18 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 24,918 points. Launch price was $2,445.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6240 offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon Gold 6240 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9920X versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6240 — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-9920X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-9920X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6240 uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9920X scores 24,974 against the Xeon Gold 6240's 24,918 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-9920X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9920X vs 24.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6240.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Xeon Gold 6240
Cores / Threads	12 / 24	18 / 36+50%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+15%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+35%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	24.75 MB+29%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	18 MB+1700%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	24,974	24,918

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6240 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.