Xeon E7-4880 v2 vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon E7-4880 v2
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 E7-4880 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($185) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+264%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($185) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 E7-4880 v2 and Core i7-9700K
Xeon E7-4880 v2
The Xeon E7-4880 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 48,435 points. Launch price was $800.
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 E7-4880 v2 packs 15 cores / 30 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 has 7 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 45% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700K is built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E7-4880 v2 scores 48,435 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 108.3% lead for the Xeon E7-4880 v2. L3 cache: 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 15 / 30+88% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4.9 GHz+58% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 37.5 MB+213% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | — | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 48,435+236% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E7-4880 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-4880 v2 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E7-4880 v2) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E7-4880 v2) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C602-J (Xeon E7-4880 v2) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536 | 128 GB+8738033% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 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 E7-4880 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon E7-4880 v2 rivals AMD Opteron 6380.
| Feature | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E7-4880 v2 launched at $6619 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($185 vs $200), the Xeon E7-4880 v2 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7-4880 v2 delivers 261.8 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Xeon E7-4880 v2 the 113.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E7-4880 v2 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6619 | $385-94% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $185-8% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 261.8+264% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2018 |
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