Xeon Gold 6238 vs Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Gold 6238
Core i9-9980XE
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 6238
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6238 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake (2019−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6238 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
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 6238 and Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Gold 6238
The Xeon Gold 6238 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 22 cores and 44 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 30.25 MB. L2 cache: 22 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 29,118 points. Launch price was $2,612.
Core i9-9980XE
The Core i9-9980XE 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 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 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. Passmark benchmark score: 29,127 points. Launch price was $1,979.
Processing Power
The Xeon Gold 6238 packs 22 cores / 44 threads, while the Core i9-9980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Xeon Gold 6238 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6238 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — a 19.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6238 uses the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6238 scores 29,118 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 0% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. L3 cache: 30.25 MB on the Xeon Gold 6238 vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 22 / 44+22% | 18 / 36 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 30.25 MB+22% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 22 MB+2100% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Cascade Lake (2019−2020) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 29,118 | 29,127 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 22,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,459 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,177 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6238 uses the LGA3647 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-9980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2933 on the Xeon Gold 6238 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE — the Xeon Gold 6238 supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6238 supports up to 1024 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 6 (Xeon Gold 6238) vs 4 (Core i9-9980XE). PCIe lanes: 48 (Xeon Gold 6238) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Xeon Gold 6238 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621 (Xeon Gold 6238) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA3647 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2933+73225% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1024 | 128 GB+13107100% |
| RAM Channels | 6+50% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48+9% | 44 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9980XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i9-9980XE targets HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6238 rivals EPYC 7402; Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6238 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | HEDT / Workstation / Content Creation |
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