Core i9-9980XE vs Xeon Silver 4314
Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Silver 4314
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Silver 4314
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Silver 4314 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ More affordable ($395) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Silver 4314 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) | ✅ More affordable ($395) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-9980XE and Xeon Silver 4314
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.
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 | — |
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 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Silver 4314 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% 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+66575% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+2184433% | 6144 |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 8+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 64+45% |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9980XE launched at $1979 MSRP, while the Xeon Silver 4314 debuted at $395. At current prices ($593 vs $395), the Xeon Silver 4314 is $198 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9980XE delivers 49.1 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Xeon Silver 4314 — making the Xeon Silver 4314 the 40% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9980XE | Xeon Silver 4314 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1979 | $395-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $593 | $395-33% |
| Performance per Dollar | 49.1 | 73.7+50% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2021 |
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