Intel Core i9-11900KF vs Intel Xeon D-2752TER Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a clear overall winner, with the Intel Core i9-11900KF claiming victory in 15 of the 17 head-to-head comparisons. The scale of the wins is substantial in most categories, though the Intel Xeon D-2752TER does have two notable counter-wins that are worth examining.

The most dominant result for the Core i9-11900KF comes in single-threaded performance. In the PassMark single-thread test, the i9-11900KF scores 3527 against 1990 for the Xeon D-2752TER, a 77.2% advantage. This is the largest delta in the entire comparison and reflects the fundamental clock-speed difference between the two parts. The Core i9-11900KF runs at a boost clock of 5.30 GHz, while the Xeon D-2752TER tops out at 2.80 GHz. The Cinebench single-core results reinforce this picture: the i9 leads by 28.7% in Cinebench R15 single-core (296 vs 230), 28.6% in R20 single-core (1235 vs 960), and 28.5% in R23 single-core (2941 vs 2288).

Multi-core performance is also consistently in favor of the Core i9-11900KF, despite having fewer cores. The i9 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon D has 12 cores and 24 threads. Yet in Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i9 scores 20838 against 16212, a 28.5% lead. The same pattern appears across the Cinebench suite: R15 multi-core shows 2100 vs 1634 (28.5% delta), and R20 multi-core shows 8751 vs 6809 (28.5% delta). This indicates that the Core i9's higher clocks and per-core efficiency more than compensate for the Xeon's additional cores in these heavily threaded workloads.

The PassMark suite reveals the biggest performance gaps in specialized workloads. Extended instructions show a 64% advantage for the Core i9 (22703 vs 13846). Floating-point math follows with a 57% lead (52640 vs 33533), and integer math shows a 46.2% delta (89023 vs 60881). Data compression is another strong area for the i9, scoring 325688 against 227763, a 43% difference. Data encryption favors the i9 by 19.3% (15623 vs 13097), and random string sorting shows a 17.5% edge (37383 vs 31802). The composite PassMark multithread score lands at 24708 for the i9 versus 19102 for the Xeon, a 29.3% advantage.

The Xeon D-2752TER does win two tests, both in the PassMark suite. In the find prime numbers test, the Xeon scores 96 against 66 for the Core i9, a 31.2% advantage. This is a notable result because it suggests the Xeon's architecture handles this particular integer workload more efficiently despite lower clocks. The physics test also goes to the Xeon with a score of 1777 versus 1034, a 41.8% lead. These wins appear isolated to specific computational patterns and do not translate to broader performance superiority.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900KF is significantly faster in single-threaded workloads. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3527 is 77.2% higher than the Xeon D-2752TER's 1990. Cinebench single-core results confirm the trend, with the i9 leading by 28.7% in R15, 28.6% in R20, and 28.5% in R23.

Q: Does the Xeon D-2752TER win any benchmark comparisons?

A: Yes, the Xeon D-2752TER wins 2 out of 17 head-to-head tests. It outperforms the Core i9-11900KF in PassMark's find prime numbers test (96 vs 66, a 31.2% advantage) and the physics test (1777 vs 1034, a 41.8% advantage). These wins are specific to those workloads.

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core Cinebench results?

A: The Core i9-11900KF leads in all Cinebench multi-core tests. In R15, it scores 2100 versus 1634. In R20, the scores are 8751 versus 6809. In R23, the i9 scores 20838 versus 16212. The delta is consistent at 28.5% across all three versions.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900KF has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Xeon D-2752TER has 12 cores and 24 threads. Despite the Xeon having 50% more cores, the Core i9 still wins the majority of multi-threaded benchmarks.

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Core i9-11900KF has an average benchmark score of 26212, while the Xeon D-2752TER averages 25530. Both processors sit at the 78th percentile when compared against all CPUs in the database.

Q: How large is the gap in data compression performance?

A: The Core i9-11900KF is substantially ahead in PassMark data compression, scoring 325688 versus 227763 for the Xeon D-2752TER. This represents a 43% advantage for the Core i9.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different Intel architectures and design philosophies. The Core i9-11900KF uses Rocket Lake, built on a 14 nm process node. Its die size measures 276 mm². The Xeon D-2752TER uses Ice Lake-D, built on a 10 nm process node, which is a smaller manufacturing process. The Core i9 is part of the Core 11th Gen family, while the Xeon D belongs to the Ice Lake-D generation.

Cache hierarchies differ markedly between the two. Both share an L1 cache of 80 KB per core, but the L2 cache is different: the Core i9 has 512 KB per core, while the Xeon D has 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache also favors the Xeon, which has 20 MB shared, compared to 16 MB shared for the Core i9. Despite having less cache per core and less total L3, the Core i9 still outperforms the Xeon in most cache-sensitive workloads, likely due to its higher clocks.

Memory support is another area of divergence. Both processors support DDR4 memory, but the Core i9 uses a dual-channel memory bus with a bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The Xeon D uses a quad-channel bus with 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which the Core i9 does not. This makes the Xeon more suitable for error-correcting workloads in server environments.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. The Core i9 provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the Xeon D provides Gen 4 with 32 lanes (CPU only). The Xeon's additional lanes allow for more expansion options. The socket types are incompatible: the Core i9 uses Intel Socket 1200, while the Xeon D uses Intel BGA 2579.

The Core i9-11900KF has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking, while the Xeon D-2752TER has a locked multiplier. The Core i9 also has a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz and boost clock of 5.30 GHz, compared to the Xeon's base clock of 1800.00 MHz (1.80 GHz) and boost clock of 2.80 GHz. The TDP ratings reflect the different market segments: the Core i9 is rated at 125 W, while the Xeon D is rated at 77 W.

The production status also differs. The Core i9-11900KF is marked as end-of-life, while the Xeon D-2752TER is active. Their release dates are nearly a year apart, with the Core i9 launching in March 2021 and the Xeon D in February 2022.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a straightforward conclusion for most use cases: the Intel Core i9-11900KF is the faster processor in the vast majority of workloads. It wins 15 of 17 head-to-head tests and holds substantial leads in single-thread performance (77.2% in PassMark single-thread), multi-core Cinebench results (28.5% across all versions), and specialized workloads like extended instructions (64%), floating-point math (57%), integer math (46.2%), and data compression (43%).

However, the Xeon D-2752TER is not without its strengths. It wins the find prime numbers test by 31.2% and the physics test by 41.8%. Its quad-channel memory support with 85.3 GB/s bandwidth and ECC memory capability make it better suited for reliability-focused server environments. The Xeon also has more cores (12 vs 8), more threads (24 vs 16), larger L2 cache (1.25 MB per core vs 512 KB per core), and more L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB).

Users who prioritize raw performance, especially in single-threaded or mixed workloads, should choose the Core i9-11900KF. Its higher boost clock of 5.30 GHz and unlocked multiplier provide flexibility for overclocking. Its end-of-life status may matter for long-term planning, but its benchmark dominance is clear.

Users who need ECC memory, quad-channel bandwidth, or server-grade reliability should consider the Xeon D-2752TER. Its 77 W TDP is lower than the Core i9's 125 W, which may benefit dense deployments. The Xeon's active production status and server/workstation market segment indicate ongoing support.

For general desktop performance, the Core i9-11900KF is the superior choice based on the data. For specific server workloads that match the Xeon's strengths, particularly the prime number and physics tests, the Xeon D-2752TER has a demonstrable edge.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification category. The Core i9-11900KF has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Xeon D-2752TER has 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks are 3.50 GHz for the Core i9 and 1.80 GHz for the Xeon D. Boost clocks are 5.30 GHz and 2.80 GHz respectively.

TDP ratings differ significantly: the Core i9 is rated at 125 W, while the Xeon D is rated at 77 W. The socket types are incompatible, with the Core i9 using Intel Socket 1200 and the Xeon D using Intel BGA 2579. Process nodes differ as well: the Core i9 uses 14 nm, while the Xeon D uses 10 nm. The die size is listed as 276 mm² for the Core i9, with no die size recorded for the Xeon D.

Cache configurations show the Xeon D with larger per-core L2 (1.25 MB vs 512 KB) and larger shared L3 (20 MB vs 16 MB). Both have 80 KB L1 per core. Memory support shows the Core i9 with dual-channel DDR4 and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon D has quad-channel DDR4 and 85.3 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported only on the Xeon D.

PCIe configurations list Gen 4 with 20 lanes for the Core i9 and Gen 4 with 32 lanes for the Xeon D. The Core i9 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Xeon D is locked. Market segments differ: the Core i9 targets desktop, while the Xeon D targets server/workstation. Production status shows the Core i9 as end-of-life and the Xeon D as active. Release dates are March 2021 for the Core i9 and February 2022 for the Xeon D. The launch MSRP is $513 for the Core i9 and $1061 for the Xeon D.