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 i9-9960X vs Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9960X vs Core i9-9990XE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9960X

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $316 less on MSRP ($1,684 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 15.1 PassMark/$ ($1,684 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
✅Draws 165W instead of 255W, a 90W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9990XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (10,700 vs 16,199).

Core i9-9990XE

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.1 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($2,000 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).
❌54.5% higher power demand at 255W vs 165W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9990XE better than Core i9-9960X?

Yes. Core i9-9990XE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 23.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 51.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.8% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9990XE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.0% 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 i9-9990XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 51.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads.

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

Core i9-9990XE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i9-9990XE comes in 18.8% more expensive on MSRP at $2,000 MSRP versus $1,684 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-9960X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 17.8% better value on paper (17.8 vs 15.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Core i9-9990XE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 28 threads instead of 16/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9960X vs Core i9-9990XE Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9960X

The Core i9-9960X 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22 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: 29,927 points. Launch price was $1,684.

Core i9-9990XE

The Core i9-9990XE 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 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): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,162 points. Launch price was $2,800.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9960X packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-9990XE offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-9960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9990XE (base: 3.1 GHz vs 4 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9960X scores 29,927 against the Core i9-9990XE's 30,162 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-9990XE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,650 vs 1,392, a 17% lead for the Core i9-9960X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,700 vs 16,199 (40.9% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE.

Feature	Core i9-9960X	Core i9-9990XE
Cores / Threads	16 / 32+14%	14 / 28
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	5.1 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	4 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	22 MB (total)+14%	19.25 MB (total)
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	29,927	30,162
Geekbench 6 Single	1,650+19%	1,392
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,700	16,199+51%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2066 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 44 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9960X) and X299 (Core i9-9990XE).

Feature	Core i9-9960X	Core i9-9990XE
Socket	LGA2066	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	44	44

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9960X targets HEDT, Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX.

Feature	Core i9-9960X	Core i9-9990XE
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	HEDT	HEDT

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9960X was priced at $1684, while the Core i9-9990XE came in at $2000. On launch pricing ($1684 vs $2000), Core i9-9960X was $316 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9960X delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 15.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9990XE — making the Core i9-9960X the 16.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9960X	Core i9-9990XE
MSRP	$1684-16%	$2000
Performance per Dollar	17.8+18%	15.1
Release Date	2018	2019

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