Xeon w5-2455X vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon w5-2455X
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 w5-2455X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,049) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+103%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,049) | ✅ 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 w5-2455X and Core i7-9700K
Xeon w5-2455X
The Xeon w5-2455X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 37,109 points. Launch price was $1,039.
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 w5-2455X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon w5-2455X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon w5-2455X uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-2455X scores 37,109 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 88.2% lead for the Xeon w5-2455X. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+50% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB+150% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 37,109+158% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-2455X 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 4800 on the Xeon w5-2455X versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Xeon w5-2455X supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2455X supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon w5-2455X) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 64 (Xeon w5-2455X) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Xeon w5-2455X offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-2455X) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 | 128 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 64+300% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w5-2455X 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 w5-2455X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-2455X launched at $1039 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($1049 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $849 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-2455X delivers 35.4 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 68.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-2455X | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1039 | $385-63% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1049 | $200-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.4 | 72.0+103% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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