Xeon Silver 4314 vs Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Silver 4314
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 Silver 4314
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon Silver 4314 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($395) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($593) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Ice Lake-SP (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon Silver 4314 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($395) | ⚠️ 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 Silver 4314 and Core i9-9980XE
Xeon Silver 4314
The Xeon Silver 4314 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4189. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2667. Passmark benchmark score: 29,095 points. Launch price was $800.
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 Silver 4314 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i9-9980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-9980XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4314 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9980XE — a 27.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-9980XE (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon Silver 4314 uses the Ice Lake-SP (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-9980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon Silver 4314 scores 29,095 against the Core i9-9980XE's 29,127 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-9980XE. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Xeon Silver 4314 vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-9980XE.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4314 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 18 / 36+13% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24.75 MB (total)+3% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Ice Lake-SP (2021) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 29,095 | 29,127 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 22,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,459 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,177 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon Silver 4314 uses the LGA4189 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-9980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2667 on the Xeon Silver 4314 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9980XE — the Xeon Silver 4314 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Silver 4314 supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon Silver 4314) vs 4 (Core i9-9980XE). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon Silver 4314) vs 44 (Core i9-9980XE) — the Xeon Silver 4314 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: C621A (Xeon Silver 4314) and X299 (Core i9-9980XE).
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4314 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4189 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2667+66575% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 | 128 GB+2184433% |
| RAM Channels | 8+100% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+45% | 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 Silver 4314 rivals EPYC 7313; Core i9-9980XE rivals Ryzen Threadripper 2950X.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4314 | 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 |
Value Analysis
The Xeon Silver 4314 launched at $395 MSRP, while the Core i9-9980XE debuted at $1979. At current prices ($395 vs $593), the Xeon Silver 4314 is $198 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon Silver 4314 delivers 73.7 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9980XE — making the Xeon Silver 4314 the 40% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon Silver 4314 | Core i9-9980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $395-80% | $1979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $395-33% | $593 |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.7+50% | 49.1 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2018 |
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