Core i9-9990XE vs Core i9-14901E

Intel

Core i9-9990XE

14 Cores28 Thrd255 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i9-14901E

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.6 GHz2024
Core family
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Core i9-9990XE vs Core i9-14901E 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 i9-9990XE vs Core i9-14901E 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 i9-9990XE vs Core i9-14901E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9990XE

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.1 vs 54.4 PassMark/$ ($2,000 MSRP vs $557 MSRP).
  • 292.3% higher power demand at 255W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i9-14901E moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i9-14901E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-14901E

2024

Why buy it

  • +87% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Costs $1,443 less on MSRP ($557 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
  • Delivers 260.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.4 vs 15.1 PassMark/$ ($557 MSRP vs $2,000 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 255W, a 190W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9990XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (14,262 vs 16,199).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9990XE better than Core i9-14901E?
Yes. Core i9-9990XE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 13.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 10.9% 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 13.6% 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 faster CPU overall, but Core i9-14901E is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-9990XE comes in 259.1% more expensive on MSRP at $2,000 MSRP versus $557 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-14901E is also 260.7% better value on MSRP (54.4 vs 15.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i9-14901E can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i9-14901E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and 87% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 19 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-9990XE vs Core i9-14901E Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i9-14901E

The Core i9-14901E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Julho 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 30,298 points. Launch price was $499.

Processing Power

The Core i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Core i9-14901E offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9990XE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 5.6 GHz on the Core i9-14901E — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-14901E (base: 4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-14901E uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Core i9-14901E's 30,298 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-14901E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,392 vs 2,894, a 70.1% lead for the Core i9-14901E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,199 vs 14,262 (12.7% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-14901E.

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-14901E
Cores / Threads
14 / 28+75%
8 / 16
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
5.6 GHz+10%
Base Clock
4 GHz+43%
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (total)
36 MB (total)+87%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
2 MB (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
10 nm-29%
Architecture
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
PassMark
30,162
30,298
Geekbench 6 Single
1,392
2,894+108%
Geekbench 6 Multi
16,199+14%
14,262
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-14901E uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-14901E — the Core i9-14901E supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-14901E supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 2 (Core i9-14901E). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 20 (Core i9-14901E) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and Intel 600 Series,Intel 700 Series (Core i9-14901E).

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-14901E
Socket
LGA2066
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR5-5600+110%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
192 GB+50%
RAM Channels
4+100%
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
44+120%
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9990XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9990XE) vs Yes (Core i9-14901E). The Core i9-14901E includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9990XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX.

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-14901E
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Yes
Target Use
HEDT
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9990XE was priced at $2000, while the Core i9-14901E came in at $557. On launch pricing ($2000 vs $557), Core i9-14901E was $1443 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9990XE delivers 15.1 pts/$ vs 54.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-14901E — making the Core i9-14901E the 113.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i9-9990XECore i9-14901E
MSRP
$2000
$557-72%
Performance per Dollar
15.1
54.4+260%
Release Date
2019
2024

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