Core i9-9940X vs Xeon E-2478

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 i9-9940X vs Xeon E-2478 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 i9-9940X vs Xeon E-2478: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9940X

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 48.9 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).
❌106.3% higher power demand at 165W vs 80W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Xeon E-2478 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Xeon E-2478

2023

Why buy it

✅+24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $819 less on MSRP ($568 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Delivers 141.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.9 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($568 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Draws 80W instead of 165W, a 85W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (27,776 vs 28,088).
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E-2478 better than Core i9-9940X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2478 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9940X 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 i9-9940X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

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

Xeon E-2478 is the better buy right now. Xeon E-2478 comes in $819 cheaper on MSRP at $568 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-9940X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 141.5% better value on MSRP (48.9 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), 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 E-2478 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-9940X vs Xeon E-2478 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9940X

The Core i9-9940X 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 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: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

Xeon E-2478

The Xeon E-2478 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 27,776 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon E-2478 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9940X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 5.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2478 — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2478 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-9940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E-2478 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the Xeon E-2478's 27,776 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i9-9940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2478.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Xeon E-2478
Cores / Threads	14 / 28+75%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	5.2 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+18%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+100%
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	28,088+1%	27,776

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E-2478 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon E-2478 — the Xeon E-2478 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9940X) vs 2 (Xeon E-2478). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9940X) vs 20 (Xeon E-2478) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Xeon E-2478
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+120%	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9940X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation, Xeon E-2478 targets Server.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Xeon E-2478
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9940X was priced at $1387, while the Xeon E-2478 came in at $568. On launch pricing ($1387 vs $568), Xeon E-2478 was $819 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 20.3 pts/$ vs 48.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2478 — making the Xeon E-2478 the 82.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Xeon E-2478
MSRP	$1387	$568-59%
Performance per Dollar	20.3	48.9+141%
Release Date	2018	2023

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