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 i9-9980XE vs Xeon Gold 6148 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 i9-9980XE vs Xeon Gold 6148: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9980XE

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,093 less on MSRP ($1,979 MSRP vs $3,072 MSRP).
✅Delivers 55.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($1,979 MSRP vs $3,072 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6148, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.

Xeon Gold 6148

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
✅Draws 150W instead of 165W, a 15W reduction.
✅9.1% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 44) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9980XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,500 vs 22,000).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($3,072 MSRP vs $1,979 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9980XE better than Xeon Gold 6148?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6148 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9980XE is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9980XE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.0% 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 i9-9980XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 18.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.

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

Core i9-9980XE is the better buy right now. Core i9-9980XE comes in $1,093 cheaper on MSRP at $1,979 MSRP versus $3,072 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 55.8% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9980XE 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 18 cores / 36 threads instead of 20/40. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Gold 6148 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9980XE

The Core i9-9980XE 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 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 29,127 points. Launch price was $1,979.

Xeon Gold 6148

The Xeon Gold 6148 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,021 points. Launch price was $3,072.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6148 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon Gold 6148 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6148 — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9980XE scores 29,127 against the Xeon Gold 6148's 29,021 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,000 vs 18,500 (17.3% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,459 vs 1,254, a 15.1% lead for the Core i9-9980XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,177 vs 9,445 (25.3% advantage for the Core i9-9980XE). L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE vs 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6148.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Gold 6148
Cores / Threads	18 / 36	20 / 40+11%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+22%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	24.75 MB (total)	27.5 MB+11%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	20 MB+1900%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	29,127	29,021
Cinebench R23 Multi	22,000+19%	18,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,459+16%	1,254
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,177+29%	9,445

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6148 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Xeon Gold 6148 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6148). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6148) — the Xeon Gold 6148 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9980XE) and C620 (Xeon Gold 6148).

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Gold 6148
Socket	LGA2066	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44	48+9%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9980XE 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 i9-9980XE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6148). Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation, Xeon Gold 6148 targets Legacy Enterprise Workloads. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X; Xeon Gold 6148 rivals EPYC 7401.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Gold 6148
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation	Legacy Enterprise Workloads

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9980XE was priced at $1979, while the Xeon Gold 6148 came in at $3072. On launch pricing ($1979 vs $3072), Core i9-9980XE was $1093 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9980XE delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 9.4 pts/$ for the Xeon Gold 6148 — making the Core i9-9980XE the 43.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Gold 6148
MSRP	$1979-36%	$3072
Performance per Dollar	14.7+56%	9.4
Release Date	2018	2017

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