Xeon E5-4640 v4 vs Core i9-10900K
Xeon E5-4640 v4
Core i9-10900K
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 E5-4640 v4
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,837) | ✅ More affordable ($500) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+463%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,837) | ✅ More affordable ($500) |
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 E5-4640 v4 and Core i9-10900K
Xeon E5-4640 v4
The Xeon E5-4640 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,559 points. Launch price was $2,837.
Core i9-10900K
The Core i9-10900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,382 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-4640 v4 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-10900K offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 v4 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v4 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900K (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon E5-4640 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-10900K uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4640 v4 scores 22,559 against the Core i9-10900K's 22,382 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-4640 v4. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon E5-4640 v4 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+20% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 5.2 GHz+100% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.7 GHz+76% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB+50% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+1100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 22,559 | 22,382 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-4640 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10900K uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2133 MHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v4 versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10900K — the Xeon E5-4640 v4 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10900K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 1.5 TB — 195.4% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-4640 v4) vs 2 (Core i9-10900K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-4640 v4) vs 16 (Core i9-10900K) — the Xeon E5-4640 v4 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel C612 (Xeon E5-4640 v4) and Intel 400 series (Core i9-10900K).
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4 2133 MHz | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1.5 TB+1100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10900K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Xeon E5-4640 v4) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900K). The Core i9-10900K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-4640 v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-4640 v4 targets Server, Core i9-10900K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-4640 v4 launched at $2837 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900K debuted at $499.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4640 v4 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2837 | $499-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $500 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2020 |
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