Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2195

Intel

Core i9-9940X

14 Cores28 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2195

18 Cores36 Thrd140 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2195 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-2195 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-2195: 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

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2195 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2195, which brings 18 cores / 36 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 186.5 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 17.9% higher power demand at 165W vs 140W.

Xeon W-2195

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +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 $1,237 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
  • Delivers 821.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 186.5 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (27,977 vs 28,088).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2195 better than Core i9-9940X?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2195 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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W-2195 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2195 comes in $1,237 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-9940X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 821.0% better value on MSRP (186.5 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), 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) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 18/36. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9940X vs Xeon W-2195 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-2195

The Xeon W-2195 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 September 2017 (8 years ago). 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: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 27,977 points. Launch price was $2,553.

Processing Power

The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon W-2195 offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon W-2195 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 4.3 GHz on the Xeon W-2195 — 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-2195's 27,977 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-9940X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2195.

FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2195
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
27,977
Cinebench R23 Multi
21,000
Geekbench 6 Single
1,300
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,002
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2195 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon W-2195 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-2195) — the Xeon W-2195 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2195
Socket
LGA2066
LGA2011
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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9940X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon W-2195). Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation, Xeon W-2195 targets Scientific Workstation / Data Analysis. Direct competitor: Xeon W-2195 rivals Ryzen Threadripper 1950X.

FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2195
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Workstation
Scientific Workstation / Data Analysis
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9940X was priced at $1387, while the Xeon W-2195 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($1387 vs $150), Xeon W-2195 was $1237 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 20.3 pts/$ vs 186.5 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2195 — making the Xeon W-2195 the 160.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-9940XXeon W-2195
MSRP
$1387
$150-89%
Performance per Dollar
20.3
186.5+819%
Release Date
2018
2017

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