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 Silver 4314 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 Silver 4314: 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: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Silver 4314, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 64 PCIe lanes.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 73.7 PassMark/$ ($1,979 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).
❌22.2% higher power demand at 165W vs 135W.

Xeon Silver 4314

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 64 PCIe lanes vs 44.
✅Costs $1,584 less on MSRP ($395 MSRP vs $1,979 MSRP).
✅Delivers 400.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.7 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $1,979 MSRP).
✅Draws 135W instead of 165W, a 30W reduction.
✅45.5% more PCIe lanes (64 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 PassMark (29,095 vs 29,127).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9980XE better than Xeon Silver 4314?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Silver 4314 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 4.4% 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 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 18 cores and 36 threads.

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

Core i9-9980XE is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon Silver 4314 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-9980XE comes in 401.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,979 MSRP versus $395 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon Silver 4314 is also 400.5% better value on MSRP (73.7 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon Silver 4314 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Silver 4314 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 Silver 4314

The Xeon Silver 4314 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 29,095 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9980XE packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4314 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4314 — a 27.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-9980XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Silver 4314 uses Ice Lake-SP (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9980XE scores 29,127 against the Xeon Silver 4314's 29,095 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE vs 24 MB (total) on the Xeon Silver 4314.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Silver 4314
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+13%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+32%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	24.75 MB (total)+3%	24 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Ice Lake-SP (2021)
PassMark	29,127	29,095
Cinebench R23 Multi	22,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,459	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,177	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9980XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Silver 4314 uses LGA4189 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE versus 2667 on the Xeon Silver 4314 — the Xeon Silver 4314 supports 0% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Silver 4314 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 8 (Xeon Silver 4314). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9980XE) vs 64 (Xeon Silver 4314) — the Xeon Silver 4314 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9980XE) and C621A (Xeon Silver 4314).

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Silver 4314
Socket	LGA2066	LGA4189
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	2667
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	6144 GB+4700%
RAM Channels	4	8+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44	64+45%

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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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X; Xeon Silver 4314 rivals EPYC 7313.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Silver 4314
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9980XE was priced at $1979, while the Xeon Silver 4314 came in at $395. On launch pricing ($1979 vs $395), Xeon Silver 4314 was $1584 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9980XE delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Xeon Silver 4314 — making the Xeon Silver 4314 the 133.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9980XE	Xeon Silver 4314
MSRP	$1979	$395-80%
Performance per Dollar	14.7	73.7+401%
Release Date	2018	2021

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