CPU Comparison
Core i7-980 vs Intel Core i7-6800K
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.
Six cores and 12 threads provide solid throughput in multi-threaded creator applications.
Gaming
Better single-core than 970, holds up slightly better in games.
Plays modern games well when paired with a strong GPU, though frame rates lag behind newer high-frequency CPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Quad-channel memory and PCIe lanes suit lab environments with multiple VMs and storage.
Efficiency
130W TDP is very inefficient by modern standards.
140 W TDP and 14 nm place it behind newer platforms in performance per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI inference
- No dedicated NPUs or matrix accelerators
- Suitable for CPU-bound inference workloads only
- AVX2 support helps in some compute-heavy tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX2
- Good clock speeds for the era
- Handles high-refresh gaming with a capable GPU
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 can aid lightly threaded titles
- Modern CPUs typically deliver higher gaming efficiency
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
- Six cores and 12 threads remain viable for productivity
- Quad-channel DDR4 provides strong memory bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multi-GPU and NVMe flexibility
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 improves lightly threaded performance
Cons
- 140 W TDP is high by modern standards
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- X99 platform is legacy with limited future CPU options
- PCIe lane count lower than 40-lane Broadwell-E SKUs
- Launch price higher than newer, more efficient options
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.
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700KRival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
Previous-Gen HEDT
More cores and higher PCIe lane count on the newer X299 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Much higher single-thread performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12 cores and 24 threads with strong performance per watt.
Modern DDR5 platform with more cores and features for new builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Cutting-edge multi-threaded performance and PCIe 5.0 support.
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 capable entry point into X99 HEDT with solid multi-threading and PCIe headroom, now best suited to budget used builds or specialized workloads rather than new gaming rigs.
Best for: Budget-conscious used HEDT build for multi-threaded workloads
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-980 or Intel Core i7-6800K?
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 Intel Core i7-6800K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6800K leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-980 and Intel Core i7-6800K.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-980 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-980 (130 W), Intel Core i7-6800K (140 W).
Do Core i7-980 and Intel Core i7-6800K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-980: Intel Socket 1366, Intel Core i7-6800K: LGA2011-v3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.