Core i9-9990XE vs Xeon Gold 6246R

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 Xeon Gold 6246R 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 Xeon Gold 6246R: 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: +8.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 36 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Gold 6246R, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌Launch MSRP is still $2,000 MSRP, while Xeon Gold 6246R mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌24.4% higher power demand at 255W vs 205W.

Xeon Gold 6246R

2020

Why buy it

✅+85.7% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 44.
✅Draws 205W instead of 255W, a 50W 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 i9-9990XE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,848 vs 16,199).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9990XE better than Xeon Gold 6246R?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Gold 6246R makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.4% 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 i9-9990XE is the stronger fit. You are getting 64.5% 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 the better buy right now. Core i9-9990XE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $2,000 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon Gold 6246R makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019) and 85.7% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-9990XE vs Xeon Gold 6246R Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon Gold 6246R

The Xeon Gold 6246R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 35.75 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 30,468 points. Launch price was $3,286.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6246R offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6246R has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6246R — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-9990XE (base: 4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6246R uses Cascade Lake (2019−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Xeon Gold 6246R's 30,468 — a 1% lead for the Xeon Gold 6246R. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,392 vs 1,293, a 7.4% lead for the Core i9-9990XE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,199 vs 9,848 (48.8% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 35.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6246R.

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Xeon Gold 6246R
Cores / Threads	14 / 28	16 / 32+14%
Boost Clock	5.1 GHz+24%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+18%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	35.75 MB+86%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	16 MB+1500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	30,162	30,468+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	16,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,392+8%	1,293
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,199+64%	9,848

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Gold 6246R uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR4-2933 on the Xeon Gold 6246R — the Xeon Gold 6246R supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6246R supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 6 (Xeon Gold 6246R). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 48 (Xeon Gold 6246R) — the Xeon Gold 6246R offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and Lewisburg (Xeon Gold 6246R).

Feature	Core i9-9990XE	Xeon Gold 6246R
Socket	LGA2066	LGA3647
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1024 GB+700%
RAM Channels	4	6+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44	48+9%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon Gold 6246R). Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT, Xeon Gold 6246R targets High-frequency Server / Financial. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX; Xeon Gold 6246R rivals EPYC 7302.