Xeon Gold 5520+ vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon Gold 5520+
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 Gold 5520+
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($764) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Emerald Rapids (2023) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+11%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($764) | ✅ 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 Gold 5520+ and Core i7-9700K
Xeon Gold 5520+
The Xeon Gold 5520+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 61,227 points. Launch price was $1,640.
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 Gold 5520+ packs 28 cores / 56 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon Gold 5520+ has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 5520+ versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 5520+ uses the Emerald Rapids (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 5520+ scores 61,227 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 123.8% lead for the Xeon Gold 5520+. L3 cache: 52.5 MB (total) on the Xeon Gold 5520+ vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 28 / 56+250% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.9 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+64% |
| L3 Cache | 52.5 MB (total)+338% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Emerald Rapids (2023) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 61,227+325% | 14,397 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 25,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 5520+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), 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 Gold 5520+ versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Xeon Gold 5520+ supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 5520+ supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 5520+) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 5520+) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Xeon Gold 5520+ offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 5520+) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+3100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 80+400% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Gold 5520+ supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon Gold 5520+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon Gold 5520+ targets Enterprise Server, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 5520+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Enterprise Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 5520+ launched at $1083 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($764 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $564 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 5520+ delivers 80.1 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Xeon Gold 5520+ the 10.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 5520+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1083 | $385-64% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $764 | $200-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.1+11% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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