Choosing a computer CPU for your workstation can feel a bit daunting. Perhaps there are just too many options. But if you favor Intel over AMD, the pick is ultimately Intel Core i9 vs Xeon. Do you prefer a powerful Intel Xeon or the newer, shiny Core i9? There’s a lot of talk about Intel’s latest Core i9 processors, and for a good reason – they’re compelling.
But if you’re unsure whether the Core i9 is the right choice, don’t worry – we can help. In this post, we’ll compare the Core i9 with Intel’s Xeon processors to see which is best suited for your needs. So let’s get started!
Intel Xeon: Pros and Cons
The Xeon processors are designed for businesses and offer more stability and reliability than the Core i9. They also have more cache, meaning that they can store more data for faster access.
However, the Xeon processors are less powerful than the Core i9 and are not as good for gaming or intensive tasks. So, let’s take a look at Intel Xeon’s cons and pros.
Intel Xeon pros:
– More cores than Core i9
– Higher clock speed
– RAM compatibility
Intel Xeon cons:
– More expensive than Core i9
– No integrated graphics
Core i9: Pros and Cons
The Core i9 processors are incredibly powerful and are perfect for gaming and intensive tasks. They offer more cores and threads than the Xeon processors and higher clock speeds.
They also have better integrated graphics than the Xeon processors, making them a good choice for businesses and consumers. However, the Core i9 processors are more expensive than the Xeon processors. So, let’s take a look at Core i9’s advantages and disadvantages.
Core i9 pros:
– On average, it is a little cheaper than Xeon, which is important if you are on the hunt for an affordable workstation
– Higher integrated graphics than Xeon
– Bigger L3 cache memory
– Lower TDP than Xeon
Core i9 cons:
– Fewer cores than Xeon
– Lower clock speed than Xeon
– Less RAM compatibility than Xeon
Core i9 vs Xeon: Which One is Better?
Both the Xeon and Core i9 processors have their pros and cons. The Xeon is better if you need a stable and reliable processor for business use. However, if you need more power for gaming or intensive tasks, then the Core i9 is the better choice. Let’s discuss all the features of these CPUs in detail.
Clock speed
Clock speed is the speed at which a CPU can execute instructions. It is measured in gigahertz (GHz) or megahertz (MHz). The higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU can perform tasks.
The Core i9 has a higher clock speed than the Xeon, meaning it can handle more tasks simultaneously.
Intel Core i9 vs Xeon Winner: Core i9
Thread Count
Threads are the individual tasks that a CPU can execute. The more threads a CPU has, the more tasks it can handle simultaneously. Most CPUs have between 2 and 4 threads, but the Core i9 has eight threads. This makes it a good choice for gaming and intensive tasks.
The Core i9 has more threads than the Xeon, which has just four threads.
Winner: Core i9
Cores
A CPU has a number of cores. This is the number of individual tasks that the CPU can execute simultaneously. Therefore, the more cores a CPU has, the more tasks it can handle at once.
Cores are essential because they allow the CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it faster and more efficient. The Core i9 has more cores than the Xeon, which can handle more tasks simultaneously.
Winner: Core i9
Socket
The socket is the physical interface through which a CPU communicates with the remainder of the computer system. It is essentially the CPU’s port. The Core i9 uses a socket different from the Xeon, so you will need a different motherboard. This means you can’t use Xeon in a Core i9 system and vice versa.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, some of Intel’s new “K” series processors use the same LGA 1151 socket as previous generation CPUs. So, if you have an LGA 1151 motherboard, you could theoretically use any LGA 1151 CPU. Make sure the processor you want to buy is compatible with the socket on your motherboard.
Cache
The cache is a small, fast memory built into the CPU. It stores data and instructions that the CPU needs for quick access, making the CPU more efficient and faster. The cache is divided into levels, with the higher levels being faster than the lower levels.
The Core i9 has a larger capacity than the Xeon, meaning that it can store more data for faster access.
Intel Core i9 vs Xeon Winner: Core i9
Integrated graphics
Integrated graphics are graphics that are built into the CPU. They are not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards but more powerful than the graphics integrated into the motherboard.
Integrated graphics are essential because they allow the CPU to handle graphics tasks without using a separate graphics card, making the system more capable.
The integrated graphics built into the Xeon have less juice than the dedicated graphics cards available on the market.
The Core i9 has better integrated graphics than the Xeon, making it a good choice for businesses and consumers alike.
Winner: Core i9
RAM compatibility
RAM is a type of computer memory that stores data and instructions for quick access. It is essential because it allows the CPU to handle multiple tasks at once.
RAM compatibility is the ability of a computer system to use different types of RAM. Most systems can use two types of RAM: DDR3 and DDR4. However, some systems can use more than two types of RAM.
Intel Xeon processors support DDR4 memory; the most common speeds are 1866, 2133, and 2400 MHz. Depending on the model, Intel Core i7 models support DDR4-2666, DDR4-2933, DDR4-3200, and DDR5-4800.
Intel Core i9 vs Xeon Winner: Core i9
TDP
TDP represents thermal design power and measures how much heat a CPU generates. The higher the TDP, the more heat the CPU produces when it’s overclocked.
The Core i9 has a higher TDP than the Xeon—95 watts. However, the right cooling system and power supply equipment can help solve this problem.
Computer with Intel Xeon vs Core i9 in Terms of Salvage Value
As we have established, both Intel Xeon and Core i9 processors are quite costly. But the good news is that your laptop with either of these CPUs will hold its value. Our team has handled a fair share of computers with both of these processors but there is no concrete consensus on which sells better, however. It really depends on the brand and other specifications (GPU, RAM, I/O ports, etc.). As a result, certain preowned Xeon-based makes are more expensive than comparable i9 generation ones and vice versa.
For example, a used Dell Precision 7750 with Intel Xeon CPU is worth more than the Core i9 configuration. On the contrary, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 2 4K Touchscreen Intel Core i9 has a higher resale value than its preowned Intel Xeon-based counterpart.
But regardless of the processor type, if you’re looking to sell your unwanted used gadget, look no further than Gadget Salvation. We make competitive offers on used laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other electronics. So, if you are looking for an estimate on a specific gadget, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we will be happy to help!
Conclusion
It’s tough to pick a winner in this Intel Core i9 vs Xeon battle. Both are almost equally powerful CPUs. But the Intel Xeon will be a better choice if you’re looking for a CPU that can handle multithreading. It has more cores and threads than the Core i9, which makes it better suited for multitasking, high-demand gaming, or want to set up a server.
However, if you’re looking for a CPU with better graphics performance, the Core i9 takes the cake. The i9 is also more suitable for using high-demanding apps, playing the latest games, and watching UHD movies. Lastly, please stay tuned to find out whether either of those CPUs can compete with the mega-fast Apple M1 Ultra chip.
