Core i9-9920X vs Xeon W-1390P

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 W-1390P 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 W-1390P: 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

✅+20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (24,974 vs 25,016).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.0 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($1,189 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
❌32% higher power demand at 165W vs 125W.

Xeon W-1390P

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $595 less on MSRP ($594 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 100.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.1 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 165W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1390P better than Core i9-9920X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-1390P 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, Xeon W-1390P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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, Xeon W-1390P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon W-1390P is the better buy right now. Xeon W-1390P comes in $595 cheaper on MSRP at $594 MSRP versus $1,189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.5% better value on MSRP (42.1 vs 21.0 PassMark/$), 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 W-1390P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9920X vs Xeon W-1390P 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 W-1390P

The Xeon W-1390P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake-S (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 25,016 points. Launch price was $539.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-1390P offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9920X versus 5.2 GHz on the Xeon W-1390P — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1390P (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9920X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-1390P uses Rocket Lake-S (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9920X scores 24,974 against the Xeon W-1390P's 25,016 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon W-1390P. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9920X vs 16 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1390P.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Xeon W-1390P
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+50%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	5.2 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)+20%	16 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Rocket Lake-S (2021)
PassMark	24,974	25,016

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-1390P uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Xeon W-1390P
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9920X was priced at $1189, while the Xeon W-1390P came in at $594. On launch pricing ($1189 vs $594), Xeon W-1390P was $595 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9920X delivers 21.0 pts/$ vs 42.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W-1390P — making the Xeon W-1390P the 66.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Xeon W-1390P
MSRP	$1189	$594-50%
Performance per Dollar	21.0	42.1+100%
Release Date	2018	2021

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