Xeon Gold 6138T vs Core i9-9820X
Xeon Gold 6138T
Core i9-9820X
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 6138T
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9820X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($280) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+44%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($280) |
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 6138T and Core i9-9820X
Xeon Gold 6138T
The Xeon Gold 6138T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 25 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 27.5 MB. L2 cache: 20 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,356 points. Launch price was $2,742.
Core i9-9820X
The Core i9-9820X 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 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 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: 20,456 points. Launch price was $898.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6138T packs 20 cores / 40 threads, while the Core i9-9820X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon Gold 6138T has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6138T versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-9820X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6138T scores 20,356 against the Core i9-9820X's 20,456 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i9-9820X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,030 vs 1,394, a 30% lead for the Core i9-9820X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,988 vs 9,361 (24.6% advantage for the Xeon Gold 6138T). L3 cache: 27.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6138T vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 40+100% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.3 GHz+65% |
| L3 Cache | 27.5 MB+67% | 16.5 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 20 MB+1900% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 20,356 | 20,456 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,030 | 1,394+35% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,988+28% | 9,361 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6138T uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-9820X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Xeon Gold 6138T versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X — the Core i9-9820X supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6138T supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6138T) vs 4 (Core i9-9820X). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6138T) vs 44 (Core i9-9820X) — the Xeon Gold 6138T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C620 (Xeon Gold 6138T) and Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4 2666 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+9% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: Yes (Xeon Gold 6138T) vs true (Core i9-9820X). Primary use case: Core i9-9820X targets Workstation.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | Yes | true |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6138T launched at $2742 MSRP, while the Core i9-9820X debuted at $889. At current prices ($400 vs $280), the Core i9-9820X is $120 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6138T delivers 50.9 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9820X — making the Core i9-9820X the 35.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6138T | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2742 | $889-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400 | $280-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.9 | 73.1+44% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
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