CPU
GPU
Xeon E-2478
Core i9-9940X
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 i9-9940X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($269) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+212%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($269) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
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 i9-9940X
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 i9-9940X
The Core i9-9940X 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.
Processing Power
The Xeon E-2478 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-9940X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-9940X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2478 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E-2478 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Xeon E-2478 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9940X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E-2478 scores 27,776 against the Core i9-9940X's 28,088 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i9-9940X. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2478 vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 14 / 28+75% |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+16% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.3 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total)+25% | 19.25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 27,776 | 28,088+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E-2478 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9940X uses LGA2066 (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 i9-9940X — 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. Memory channels: 2 (Xeon E-2478) vs 4 (Core i9-9940X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Xeon E-2478) vs 44 (Core i9-9940X) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| 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 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 44+120% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9940X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon E-2478 targets Server, Core i9-9940X targets Workstation.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E-2478 launched at $568 MSRP, while the Core i9-9940X debuted at $1387. At current prices ($269 vs $850), the Xeon E-2478 is $581 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E-2478 delivers 103.3 pts/$ vs 33.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-9940X — making the Xeon E-2478 the 103% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E-2478 | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $568-59% | $1387 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $269-68% | $850 |
| Performance per Dollar | 103.3+213% | 33.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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