Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2191B

Intel

Core i9-9940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2191B

18 Cores36 Thrd140 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2191B 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 i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2191B 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 W-2191B: 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

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (28,088 vs 28,362).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 25 MB).
    • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2191B, which brings 18 cores / 36 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
    • 4.1% HIGHER MSRP
      $1,387 MSRPvs$1,333 MSRP
    • 17.9% higher power demand at 165W vs 140W.

    Xeon W-2191B

    2017

    Why buy it

    • +1% higher PassMark.
    • +28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).
    • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 18 cores / 36 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
    • Costs $54 less on MSRP ($1,333 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
    • Draws 140W instead of 165W, a 25W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Xeon W-2191B better than Core i9-9940X?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2191B 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, Xeon W-2191B is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 28.6% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 19 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Xeon W-2191B is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2191B comes in $54 cheaper on MSRP at $1,333 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i9-9940X is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.1% better value on MSRP (21.3 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i9-9940X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2191B Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Xeon W-2191B

    The Xeon W-2191B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,362 points. Launch price was $800.

    Processing Power

    The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon W-2191B offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon W-2191B has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 4.3 GHz on the Xeon W-2191B — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9940X (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the Xeon W-2191B's 28,362 — a 1% lead for the Xeon W-2191B. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2191B.

    FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2191B
    Cores / Threads
    14 / 28
    18 / 36+29%
    Boost Clock
    4.5 GHz+5%
    4.3 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.3 GHz+43%
    2.3 GHz
    L3 Cache
    19.25 MB (total)
    24.75 MB (total)+29%
    L2 Cache
    1 MB (per core)
    1 MB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm
    14 nm
    Architecture
    Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
    Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
    PassMark
    28,088
    28,362
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    Both processors use the LGA2066 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon W-2191B supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9940X) vs 48 (Xeon W-2191B) — the Xeon W-2191B offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2191B
    Socket
    LGA2066
    LGA2066
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2666
    DDR4-2666
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    512 GB+300%
    RAM Channels
    4
    4
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    44
    48+9%
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation, Xeon W-2191B targets Workstation.

    FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2191B
    Integrated GPU
    No
    No
    Unlocked
    Yes
    No
    AVX-512
    Yes
    Yes
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d
    VT-x, VT-d
    Target Use
    Workstation
    Workstation
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Core i9-9940X was priced at $1387, while the Xeon W-2191B came in at $1333. On launch pricing ($1387 vs $1333), Xeon W-2191B was $54 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 20.3 pts/$ vs 21.3 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2191B — making the Xeon W-2191B the 4.9% better value option.

    FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2191B
    MSRP
    $1387
    $1333-4%
    Performance per Dollar
    20.3
    21.3+5%
    Release Date
    2018
    2017

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