Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
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 6438Y+
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+124%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($389) | ✅ 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 6438Y+ and Core i7-9700K
Xeon Gold 6438Y+
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 60 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 205 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 62,660 points. Launch price was $3,141.
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 6438Y+ packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ scores 62,660 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 125.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6438Y+. L3 cache: 60 MB on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+300% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.9 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+80% |
| L3 Cache | 60 MB+400% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 62,660+335% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 80 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ offers 64 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C741 (Xeon Gold 6438Y+) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 128 GB+3276700% |
| 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 6438Y+ 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 6438Y+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon Gold 6438Y+ rivals EPYC 9354.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | 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 | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Gold 6438Y+ launched at $2607 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($389 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $189 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ delivers 161.1 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Xeon Gold 6438Y+ the 76.5% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Gold 6438Y+ | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2607 | $385-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $389 | $200-49% |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.1+124% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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