CPU Comparison
Core i7-980 vs Core i7-2600K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-980 is a high-end desktop processor launched in June 2011, based on the 32nm Gulftown architecture. It represents a higher-clocked, non-Extreme Edition 6-core processor, operating at a base frequency of 3.333 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz via Turbo Boost. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, supported by a massive 12 MB L3 cache. Utilizing the LGA 1366 socket, it was the final hurrah for the X58 platform. It supports triple-channel DDR3 memory and provides 36 PCIe 2.0 lanes. With a 130W TDP, it required robust cooling. The i7-980 offered near-990X performance at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts who wanted maximum multi-threaded performance on the legacy platform. Although obsolete today, it stands as the peak of the LGA 1366 ecosystem, delivering excellent performance for 2011 era content creation and gaming.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-core for legacy tasks.
Still usable for basic tasks and light productivity.
Gaming
Better single-core than 970, holds up slightly better in games.
When overclocked, can still handle older games well, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Handles light VMs without issue.
Efficiency
130W TDP is very inefficient by modern standards.
95W TDP is high, and overclocking makes it worse.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI inference
- No AI hardware
- Instruction sets outdated
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX2
- Good clock speeds for the era
- Overclocking helps single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU for modern games
- PCIe 2.0 limits bandwidth
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High base clock for 6 cores
- 12MB L3 cache
- Triple-channel memory
- 36 PCIe lanes
Cons
- Very high 130W TDP
- Obsolete platform
- Locked multiplier
- No AVX2 support
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
- HD 3000 integrated graphics
- Revolutionary IPC for 2011
- Excellent value at launch
Cons
- 32nm process is inefficient
- Lacks AVX2
- PCIe 2.0 only
- 4 cores limit modern multi-threaded performance
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-980
- AMD Phenom II X6 1100TRival
Desktop High-End
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-990XRival
Desktop Extreme
- Intel Core i7-970Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop Mainstream
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-3930KAlt
Sandy Bridge-E successor, much faster and unlocked.
Core i7-2600K
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop
Newer Ivy Bridge alternative with PCIe 3.0.
Compare head-to-headCheaper, similar gaming performance when overclocked.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
Locked version if overclocking isn't needed.
Our Verdict on Each
A high-clocked 6-core CPU that served as the ultimate send-off for the X58 platform, though obsolete and power-hungry today.
Best for: Maxing out a legacy X58 system.
Read the full reviewA historic CPU that brought affordable, high-performance overclocking to the masses. Its legacy is unmatched, though it is outdated today.
Best for: Retro gaming or legacy builds.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-980 or Core i7-2600K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-980 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-980 or Core i7-2600K?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600K leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-980 and Core i7-2600K.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-2600K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-980 (130 W), Core i7-2600K (95 W).
Do Core i7-980 and Core i7-2600K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-980: Intel Socket 1366, Core i7-2600K: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-980 has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-980 (6 cores), Core i7-2600K (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2600K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2600K (9,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.