CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-7920X vs Intel Core i9-7980XE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-7920X is a 12-core, 24-thread high-end desktop processor from the Skylake-X generation on LGA2066, featuring 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, quad-channel DDR4-2666, and AVX-512 support. It launched in August 2017 at $1,199 and is now discontinued, positioning it as a legacy option for multi-threaded workloads and enthusiast platforms that need abundant I/O. Despite its age, it retains value for specific upgrade scenarios where the X299 platform and expansion are priorities, though modern CPUs deliver far better efficiency and per-thread performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong multi-threaded performance for its era; still usable for rendering and encoding if power and platform age are acceptable.
Very strong multi-threaded throughput suited to content creation and scientific calculations.
Gaming
Acceptable frame rates in many titles, but modern gaming CPUs with higher clocks and newer architectures will outpace it.
Playable at high frame rates in modern titles, but typically behind newer gaming-focused CPUs in single-threaded performance.
Virtualization
Plenty of cores, threads, and PCIe lanes make it a solid choice for multiple VMs and storage devices.
Plentiful cores and PCIe lanes make it excellent for running multiple VMs and storage/network add-ins.
Efficiency
At 14 nm and 140 W base TDP, the 7920X draws significantly more power per unit of performance than newer parts.
High power consumption relative to modern alternatives; efficiency lags newer platforms.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI accelerators; AI workloads rely on AVX-512 and general-purpose compute.
- Useful for small-scale inference prototyping or running traditional ML workloads on CPU.
- No dedicated NPUs; relies on AVX-512 for vectorized inference
- Suitable for small-scale experimentation and older models on CPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Single-core Turbo Boost Max 3.0 up to 4.4 GHz helps in CPU-limited titles.
- Lacks the high clocks and IPC gains of newer CPUs, so GPU-heavy games at high resolutions are the best fit.
- PCIe 3.0 is adequate for current GPUs, though Gen4/Gen5 offer more headroom for fast NVMe and future cards.
- Capable of high-refresh gaming when paired with strong GPUs
- Single-core performance is lower than contemporary gaming-focused CPUs
- Platform lacks upgrade path to newer CPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 12 cores and 24 threads for heavily threaded workloads.
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU and NVMe configurations.
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 with up to 128 GB capacity.
- AVX-512 support with 2 FMA units for vectorized compute.
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast tuning.
Cons
- Discontinued platform with no upgrade path beyond Cascade Lake-X refresh.
- Higher power consumption and heat compared to newer architectures.
- Base clock is modest at 2.9 GHz; all-core boost is 4.3 GHz.
- No integrated graphics; requires a discrete GPU.
- Lacks modern platform features (DDR5, PCIe 4.0+).
Pros
- 18 cores and 36 threads for heavy parallel workloads
- 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multiple GPUs and NVMe drives
- Quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory
- AVX-512 support for specialized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Strong multi-threaded performance in its era
Cons
- High power draw and thermal density
- No integrated graphics
- LGA2066/X299 platform effectively discontinued
- Lower per-core performance than newer generations
- DDR4-only memory support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i9-7920X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
HEDT
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headAMD Ryzen 9 7900XRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-14700KRival
Mainstream Enthusiast
Intel Core i9-7980XE
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9980XERival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WXAlt
Higher core counts for workstation workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
Much higher efficiency and strong multi-core performance.
Newer X-series HEDT with refinements and more PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3955WXAlt
Pro-grade platform with more memory channels and I/O.
Strong single- and multi-core performance on a current mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A capable 12-core HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded throughput and excellent I/O, but high power draw, an aging platform, and discontinued status make it relevant mainly for used-market upgrades or extending existing X299 builds.
Best for: Upgrading an existing X299 system at low cost (used CPU) to gain cores and PCIe lanes without replacing motherboard and memory.
Read the full reviewA flagship HEDT chip with massive multi-threaded throughput and abundant I/O, but high power draw and aging platform make it a specialist choice today.
Best for: Secondary workstation or used-market build needing lots of PCIe lanes and cores on a budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i9-7920X or Intel Core i9-7980XE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-7980XE comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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, Intel Core i9-7920X or Intel Core i9-7980XE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-7980XE leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i9-7920X and Intel Core i9-7980XE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-7920X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-7920X (140 W), Intel Core i9-7980XE (165 W).
Do Intel Core i9-7920X and Intel Core i9-7980XE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-7920X: LGA2066 (FCLGA2066), Intel Core i9-7980XE: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-7980XE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i9-7920X (12 cores), Intel Core i9-7980XE (18 cores).