Xeon X7550 vs Core i7-9700K
Xeon X7550
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. The Xeon X7550 is positioned at rank #985 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 X7550
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,400) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1180%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,400) | ✅ 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 X7550 and Core i7-9700K
Xeon X7550
The Xeon X7550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-978, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, Speed-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 7,873 points. Launch price was $800.
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 X7550 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the Core i7-9700K's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Xeon X7550 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 68.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700K is built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon X7550 scores 7,873 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 58.6% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X7550 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 4.9 GHz+104% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+80% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB L3 Cache+50% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | — | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 7,873 | 14,397+83% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X7550 uses the LGA1567 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X7550 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon X7550) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). Chipset compatibility: Nehalem-EX (Xeon X7550) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1567 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X7550) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon X7550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X7550 targets Server, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon X7550 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X7550 launched at $1500 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($1400 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $1200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X7550 delivers 5.6 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 171% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X7550 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1500 | $385-74% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1400 | $200-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 5.6 | 72.0+1186% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2018 |
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