Xeon E-2478 vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon E-2478
Core i7-9700K
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 Xeon E-2478
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+43%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($269) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 Xeon E-2478 and Core i7-9700K
Xeon E-2478
The Xeon E-2478 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 27,776 points. Launch price was $568.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Xeon E-2478 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core i7-9700K's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2478 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2478 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E-2478 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E-2478 scores 27,776 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 63.4% lead for the Xeon E-2478. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2478 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+6% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total)+100% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 27,776+93% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E-2478 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon E-2478 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Xeon E-2478 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Xeon E-2478) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Xeon E-2478 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E-2478 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E-2478 targets Server, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E-2478 launched at $568 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($269 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $69 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E-2478 delivers 103.3 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Xeon E-2478 the 35.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $568 | $385-32% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $269 | $200-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 103.3+43% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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